Title: Idea-driven R&D evolution: The ORNL seed-money programme

Authors: Robert W. Shaw, Herman Postma

Addresses: Exploratory Studies Coordinator, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, USA. ' Director, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA 37831

Abstract: At any active research and development institution there must be a continuous evolution of research ideas and projects. At Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a US Department of Energy sponsored laboratory, the seed-money programme provides overhead funding for staff members to explore new ideas and to conduct proof-of-principle studies to facilitate this progression. Over 200 projects have been supported by this means. The execution and the success of the seed-money programme is described. In its 12-year history, seed money has helped initiate several new Laboratory programmes. Its success is due to two factors – a staff-oriented operation, and an idea-driven approach.

Keywords: research and development; research management; research policy; research evaluation; idea-driven R&D; Oak Ridge National Laboratory; ORNL seed money programme.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1987.026165

International Journal of Technology Management, 1987 Vol.2 No.2, pp.241 - 248

Published online: 27 May 2009 *

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