Title: Change and continuity in biotechnology and new materials innovation: The evolution of technologies, markets and institutions

Authors: Joanna Chataway, David Wield

Addresses: Centre for Technology Strategy, Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK. ' Centre for Technology Strategy, Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK

Abstract: This paper examines R&D and strategic decision-making in firms, reviewing institutional and market constraints that act on the development of bio- and new materials technologies. The findings are assessed against the background of biotechnology and new materials as potential |core technologies| that, combined with new socioeconomic norms, will make up a significantly different technoeconomic paradigm for the next century. The studies presented portray levels of complexity that highlight the variety of technological evolution. They also illustrate the need for improved methods of analysis that better integrate macro- and micro-levels of evolutionary theory.

Keywords: biotechnology; corporate strategy; firm-level innovation; new materials; R&D strategy; materials innovation; research and development; strategic decision making; biomaterials.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.1994.036433

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 1994 Vol.9 No.4/5/6, pp.464 - 481

Published online: 03 Nov 2010 *

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