Title: Maintenance of persistent creativity and innovation in university laboratories

Authors: Chun-Ling Tai, Jen-Fang Lee

Addresses: Science and Technology Unit, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Taipei 100, Taiwan. ' Graduate Institute of Technology and Innovation Management, National Chengchi University, Wenshan, Taipei 116, Taiwan

Abstract: This study investigates creativity in university laboratories, which are key places in developing new ideas and knowledge, and their persistent creativity. Analysing the Cavendish Laboratory of Cambridge University, the UK and the Pharmacology Laboratory of National Taiwan University, College of Medicine, established for 135 years and 85 years, respectively; the following findings are obtained. Preserving excellent tradition and academic style, making a careful choice of research fields and attentive exploration and management of them, and selection of and educating research talent, are three crucial elements associated with achievement in different fields whether through the harsh initial period immediately after establishing a lab, the growth period, the transformation of research topics or maintenance over many generations.

Keywords: university laboratories; creativity; tradition; academic style; research field; research talent; technological innovation; technology management; research management; university research.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2007.013445

International Journal of Technology Management, 2007 Vol.39 No.1/2, pp.177 - 197

Published online: 29 Apr 2007 *

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