Product innovation and development are key capabilities especially for manufacturing industries. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) as a management concept provides processes and methodologies to establish these capabilities based on the dimensions: Organization, processes and technology. This article discusses the development of the PLM concept from an IT system purely supporting the operational level within a company - moving to a concept supporting top-management decisions regarding product strategy and portfolio. Moreover, a framework is introduced to determine an R&D and PLM Strategy based on the Corporate Business Strategy.