This paper proposes to test the characteristics of a framework for strategic management of technology, to be applied in the case of a medium-sized enterprise that produces autoparts in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Through the strategic planning of technology it is possible to map the technological features of a firm and to identify its weak points. The methodology involves the investigation of several stages of the framework: 1) definition of the problem, 2) mapping of the external environment, 3) analyses of the firm's technological capability, 4) ability to transform information into solutions for problems, 5) definition of technological strategy and finally, 6) development and management of the project. The results suggest that most of the stages of the strategic planning framework are followed in this firm. However, except for the project, all the other stages are quite informal (non structured). Internal relations are usually based on people contacts and not formally organized. The information flow is also quite fragile and supported by staff's efforts; there is no systematic communication. This kind of procedure emphasizes the technological informality of the firm.
strategic planning of technology; autoparts industry; small and medium-sized firms
