Industrial Innovation in the United States. A Survey of Six Hundred Companies

摘要

The results of a mail survey sent to 600 firms indicate that it is possible to collect meaningful data that can serve as the basis for additional indicators of industrial innovation in the United States. The data lead to plausible conclusions about inter-firm and inter-industry differences in the level and character of innovation. Findings from the study include data for 1982 on the number of new products generated per dollar of sales; the percentage of 1982 sales generated by products first marketed in the previous five years; the average amount of grants and contracts given to universities; and types of activities firms had been involved in during the 1980-82 period for the purpose of exploiting a new technological development. Central research facilities, research and development performed in product divisions, and internal venture groups are also discussed. Includes a 17-page bibliography.