Case Studies Examining the Role of Government Research and Development Contract Funding in the Early History of High Technology Companies

摘要

The project was to prepare case studies of the early stages of the evolution and growth of thirty-three currently successful, innovative high-technology companies. The primary source of information was an interview with a founder of the company. Of particular importance were examinations of the factors integral to their commercial success and the role, if any, played by government research and development contracts in the company histories. The study documents the enormous technological contribution made by these companies toward the solution of our nation's social and economic problems. Their ability to create jobs is significant, even among the older, mature companies that normally produce few new jobs. The availability of government R&D contracts was frequently an important incentive for companies' formation and a key factor in early survival.