GATE SYSTEM FOCUSES INDUSTRIAL BASIC RESEARCH

The Exxon Research and Engineering Company (ERE) stage-gate system bui lds on product development gating systems, recognizing that research o f a fundamental nature is often required to generate the science-based technologies needed to realize business opportunities. The ERE system adds early stage-gates for the basic research phases of technology de velopment. Stages A and B initiate the research activities that genera te the information required for assessment along nine key dimensions. These dimensions establish the decision criteria at each gate for adva ncing the project to the next stage The dimensions for decisions, thus established in the early gates, proceed with increasing depth and det ail throughout the later development gates. Gatekeepers-management rep resentatives of each of the organizations needed to advance the projec t to commercialization-use the gate criteria to make decisions. Initia l experience with applications of the extended gate system shows the i mportance of flexibility, business involvement, and connection to the research planning process.