CTO- Government, Academia, and Professional Organizations


Prominent technologists are often called upon to provide services to government, academic, and professional organizations. These services combine civic and professional duty with the opportunity to convey a positive image of the company and its products. Governmental committees investigate issues of national importance. Service on these committees is an honor, but it also requires the dedication of time, energy, and money that could be focused on other pursuits. Participation brings several rewards that are an alternative form of payment.

  • Tacit recognition as a leader in the field

  • Opportunities to influence the decisions of the committee in a professionally positive manner, and

  • Early and intimate access to the work generated by the committee.

Since many CTOs possess advanced college degrees, they tend to have multiple relationships with members of academia. These relationships lead to partnerships and funding for research that is of mutual interest. Companies participating in these activities generally structure the partnership such that they have first access to the results of the research. There are many examples of corporate and academic partnerships that can involve participation or oversight by the CTO. As a businessman, the CTO must insure that money and time spent on such projects is aligned with the corporate strategy and has a realistic potential of contributing to the company's competitive advantage in the foreseeable future.

Finally, CTOs are called upon to participate in professional organizations and their associated meetings. Similar to government committees, these are an opportunity to project a positive image within the profession and to communicate important messages. Presentations allow the CTO to tell partners, suppliers, competitors, and customers about their expertise, products, future strategy, or commitment to an industry. Many CTOs maintain that the relationships that they build through professional organizations contribute directly to their business base. (88) (92)




The CTO Handbook. The Indispensable Technology Leadership Resource for Chief Technology Officers
The CTO Handbook/Job Manual: A Wealth of Reference Material and Thought Leadership on What Every Manager Needs to Know to Lead Their Technology Team
ISBN: 1587623676
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 213

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