INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH-AND-DEVELOPMENT IN 2008

Changes in industrial R&D will accelerate over the next 10 years. Scen ario planning indicates that there are several drivers of change, the most prominent of which are information technology and globalization. People in the industrial R&D laboratory of 2008 will be move risk-taki ng and business-oriented, with skills that are constantly being upgrad ed. Technical intelligence will be fully integrated throughout the fir m and far more comprehensive than today. Technical work will be move e fficient and effective, utilizing a wide variety of outside resources. Flexible organizational structures and true enterprise integration wi ll capitalize on a new era of creativity for growth and competitivenes s. Leadership and skillful management will be critical elements of the se evolving processes.