21-03.

Technology Intermediaries

Pattern description

Technology intermediaries are an important actor of the innovation system. According to Howells their role is to act as brokers or third parties in order to build the bridges between the various participations within the open system.

Inventive problems

The customers should visit as few places as possible (it's the best - one place) to find information about products (goods and services) and suppliers, so as not to waste time on shopping, visiting companies' offices or surfing the web.

The customers should visit many different places (shops, companies' offices, Internet sites) to find the most complete information about products (goods and services) and suppliers.