Technology fountainheads

by E. Raymond Corey

Since the formation of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in 1973, R&D consortia in the United States have become powerful engines of economic development, advancing technology creation and dissemination in entire industries. In Technology Fountainheads, Corey explores the social, economic, and political aspects of forming and managing these collaborative ventures among business, government, and academia. The book draws on the experiences of six of the oldest and largest consortia - EPRI, the Gas Research Institute, Semiconductor Research Corporation, Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation, Bell Communications Research, and SEMATECH - to reveal why, instead of squelching the innovation that comes from interfirm competition, R&D consortia have in fact helped to accelerate market growth and improve American competitiveness. Corey outlines the essential traits of successful consortia - a compelling initial vision, a sustainable mission, and strong leadership - and