Technologies and their meta-expertise areas are developing at tremendous speed which is common challenge for all product development departments operating in technology industry. This research is conducted by Patria Land Systems Oy whose expertise range in product development organization consists of profound skills related to certain sub-branches of technology and persistent leadership of know-how.

Objective of this research is to recognize distinguishing features related to development of profound expertise of specialists and their leadership. Term specialized expertise is referring in this context to unrivalled ability and skills of person or small group, whose intellectual expertise can’t be supported by surrounding organization.

Framework of this research consists of fundamental sub-branches related to development and leadership of expertise in organization consisting of specialists. Empirical source material has been formed by interviewing representatives from companies operating in technology industry, whose role and job description is closely related to development of expertise and leadership of product development organization. Summary of theoretical and empirical source material consists of evaluation of conformability, possible deviations between sources and a conclusion concerning distinguishing features related to development and leadership of specialized expertise.

It is possible to develop and lead profound expertise according to current notion of development and leadership of organization of specialists, but there are certain distinguishing features which have to be recognized and considered. This research provides beneficial tools for managers working in product development organization to be able to build up map of required expertise and lead specialized expertise successfully. Research provides also good base to get acquainted more thoroughly for example to development of meta-cognitive skills providing added value as strategic development of expertise.