Assessment of Capability of The Technology and Technical Skills/Expertise - Driven Industry : A Case Study of Auto Seat Industry in Thailand

Abstract

This research paper presents the framework to assess technological capabilities of technical skillsand expertise-driven industries. The structure of the proposed framework is developed based on theconcept introduced by Bell and Pavitt in 1995 whereas the areas and the levels of technological capabilitiesare specifically characterized in this research to match with the nature of technical skills andexpertise-driven industries. A case example of Thai automotive seat manufacturing industry is presented todemonstrate how the framework is developed and used for assessing a firm's technological capabilities.The assessment results of all selected firms are collectively analyzed to represent the level of technologicalcapabilities of Thai automotive seat manufacturing industry. These findings highlight the unbalancebetween the level of technological and skills/expertise capabilities. The suggestions for improvingtechnological capabilities and easing the limitations of the industry are also proposed in the paper

Keywords : Technological Capability / Technical Expertise / Automotive Seating Industry