SKUNK WORKS, 1990S STYLE

In the effort to keep up with smaller, more nimble competitors, large high-technology companies are increasingly turning to skunk works-smal l groups of scientists, engineers and other personnel who tackle speci fic problems and try to commercialize the solutions. However, no skunk works comes with a guarantee. Cases in which skunk works have failed to deliver illustrate the factors necessary for success. The corporate culture must be appropriate to support a countercultural entity in it s midst. At leat one top manager must support the nascent skunk works and insulate its personnel from day-to-day corporate activities. And m anagement must devise a strategy for commercializing the result of the skunk works activity.