A History of Industrial Research in the United States.

The document contains a bibliographical review of the rise of the industrial research laboratory. This innovation came about because of the rising utility of science, but the change itself was managerial as well as technical. The gradual recognition by management of the importance of science found expression in a series of mechanisms through which industry could use expert technical knowledge. First, advice could be sought on a temporary basis through a consulting relationship, a pattern that is still important, especially for smaller firms. Second, as the importance of science became apparent, industries sought to incorporate scientists and other technologists in their organization, initially for quality control and production. But the importance of science in producing totally new products ultimately led to a shift from narrowly applied to pure research. It was at this stage that the modern industrial research laboratory emerged. Author