Corporate Research Laboratories and the History of Innovation

American corporations in the chemical and electrical industries established industrial research laboratories in the early twentieth century, which became world-famous for their scientific and technological breakthroughs and the new union of science and industry. This book uses discourse analysis to uncover the collective meanings associated with the industrial laboratory, such as what and where it is supposed to be, who the scientist is, and what it means to practice science. It analyzes the corporations that established laboratories and their contexts, showing how the industrial laboratory was transformed from an organizational novelty into an expected institution in less than two decades.

Format: Hardback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 16 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

With the dawn of the 20th century, American corporations in the chemical and electrical industries embarked on a remarkable journey, establishing industrial research laboratories that would go on to make history. These institutions not only revolutionized scientific and technological advancements but also symbolized a new union of science and industry. The genesis of innovative ideas lies in the intricate interplay between corporate capital, technological change, and a cultural context that transcends the boundaries of individual corporations.

In order to unravel the complex tapestry of meanings associated with these early American R&D laboratories, this book employs discourse analysis as a methodological framework. By meticulously examining the organizational field of these laboratories from 1870 to 1930, the book uncovers the collective perceptions and understandings that shaped their development. Meanings such as the definition and location of a laboratory, the identity of the scientist, and the essence of scientific practice provided the cultural foundation upon which the transition from academic science to industrial application was built. These meanings were translated into actionable insights that were readily grasped by corporate executives and organizational entrepreneurs vying for dominance in a rapidly evolving market.

The book delves into the corporations that established these laboratories in the United States, as well as their broader economic, political, and scientific contexts. It explores how the industrial laboratory evolved from a novel organizational concept to an expected institution within a span of less than two decades. By examining the interplay between these factors, the book sheds light on the transformative power of culture in shaping the trajectory of technological innovation.

This book appeals to a wide range of scholars and researchers, including those interested in organizational change, discourse studies, technology and innovation management, business and management history, and related fields. Its comprehensive analysis and rich insights offer valuable perspectives on the complex dynamics that shaped the development of industrial research laboratories and the broader cultural landscape of the early 20th century.

Weight: 532g
Dimension: 159 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367476601