Science and Corporate Strategy
Du Pont R and D, 1902–1980

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

David A. Hounshell (Author), John Kenly Smith (Author)

9780521028523, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 November 2006

780 pages
23.5 x 15.5 x 4.1 cm, 1.127 kg

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.

List of illustrations
List of tables
Editors' preface
Authors' preface
Introduction
Part I. The Experimental Era: 1902–1921: 1. Organizing for research and development, 1902–1911
2. Reorganizing and diversification
3. World War I and the venture into dyestuffs
4. Decentralization
Part II. Creating a Chemical Empire: 5. Rebuilding a central research organization
6. Research to the rescue: Du Pont finishes
7. Research efficiency: the organic chemicals department
8. New fibers and films for a new era: the rayon department
9. From nitrates to nylon: the ammonia department
10. Du Pont R&D in the international sphere
11. Development power: the case of titanium dioxide pigments
Part III. 'Better Things for Better Living through Chemistry': 12. The 'radical departure': Charles Stine's fundamental research program
13. The 'D' of R&D: the development of neoprene and nylon
14. Developing a discipline: chemical engineering research at Du Pont
15. The conduct of research
Part IV. Chemistry Enshrined: 16. The war years and postwar expansion of research
17. The persuit of science at Du Pont
18. Making a revolution: Du Pont and synthetic fibers
19. New directions in fibers R&D
20. Biological chemicals
21. Keeping ahead of the competition: Du Pont plastics
Part V. Challenge and Response: 22. The new venture era
23. Successful diversification: the photo products department
24. Toxicological and environmental research
25. Redirecting R&D: the 1970s
Reprise: science and corporate strategy at Du Pont
Appendixes
Notes
Essay on sources
Index.

Subject Areas: Economic history [KCZ]