Abstract
We propose a support system for evaluating R & D projects. It focuses on technological propagation among projects, and supports experts' evaluative decisions on a group of projects. It provides a fundamental framework for knowledge processing, which we obtained through a case study. The framework consists of knowledge on technological effects for deriving the propagation of technology, and knowledge of category relations for extending the scope of propagation. We apply this system to R & D projects for energysaving technology, and present results for evaluating their benefits in terms of technological propagation. This system has supporting functions of two levels. In the basic level, it processes knowledge on technological effects and associated propagation rules, and integrates project information to construct extensive networks of technological propagation. In the extended level, the system additionally uses knowledge of category relations of technology. The knowledge contains that of technological transfer, and that of technological level transfer. They enable extending the above propagation rules, and provide system's functions for evaluating R & D projects. The fundamental framework and propagation rules proposed in this paper can not only be utilized for evaluating R & D projects, but also for developing knowledge base systems for other purposes.
