The role of R&D in international process plant contracting
by David A. Von Emloh, Alan W. Pearson, Derrick F. Ball
International Journal of Technology Management (IJTM), Vol. 9, No. 1, 1994

Abstract: This paper examines the question of whether or not international process plant contractors should perform R&D, either in-house or in collaboration with clients as partners. It then looks to determine the extent to which this research should be targeted either by process or sector. A comparison of process plant contractors which undertake R&D with those which do not shows no relationship between R&D expenditure and profitability. It appears that where R&D constitutes a competitive advantage it is through winning contracts which otherwise may have been lost and by some increased income from licensing. The paper then focuses on the possible R&D strategies for contractors, discriminating between large and small firms and examining whether or not those without an in-house facility should establish one. A major recommendation for contractors involved in R&D is the need for quite specific focusing of this activity.

Online publication date: Sat, 23-May-2009

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Technology Management (IJTM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com