Science and Corporate Strategy: Du Pont R and D, 1902–1980 (Studies in Economic History and Policy: USA in the Twentieth Century) - Softcover

Hounshell, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521028523 ISBN 13: 9780521028523

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2006

Synopsis

This book provides a comprehensive, critical study of research and development in a large US corporation.

About this title

Book Description

Science and Corporate Strategy: Du Pont R and D, 1902–1980 provides a comprehensive, critical study of research and development in a large US corporation. Du Pont was among a handful of US corporations that established formal research and development laboratories at the turn of the century to improve competitive positions in their respective industries.

Synopsis

Based on voluminous corporate records and extensive interviews with key employees, Science and Corporate Strategy: Du Pont R and D, 1902-1980 provides a comprehensive, critical study of research and development in a large US corporation. Du Pont was among a handful of US corporations that established formal research and development laboratories at the turn of the century to improve competitive positions in their respective industries. Initially, Du Pont's executives viewed R&D as an important though not central part of the corporations strategy. However the gains made by the company's laboratories soon demonstrated that R&D would be a critical ingredient in the firm's success. The industrial research and development laboratory became a major part of corporate structure; science became a central part of corporate strategy.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521028523
• ISBN 13: 9780521028523
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 780