A Comparative Study of the Development, of Two Chemical Technologies: Polypropylene and Epdm Rubber (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

Michael A. Rappa

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0666111669 ISBN 13: 9780666111661

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

Synopsis

Discover how R&D communities shape technology, not just firms or markets.

This study uses polypropylene and EPDM rubber to explore how researchers across organizations collaborate, publish, and compete to bring new chemical technologies to life.

The book frames technology development as a broad social process. It examines how together, researchers from universities, private firms, and government labs influence progress, openness, and the spread of knowledge. By comparing two chemical technologies, it highlights why certain breakthroughs accelerate while others remain incremental.

• How scientific communities form and share knowledge across companies and disciplines
• How catalyst choices and process ideas affect manufacturing and cost
• Why publication and patenting coexist and what that means for innovation
• How industry internalization changes collaboration and openness over time

Ideal for readers interested in the history of science, technology policy, and the dynamics of industrial R&D in chemistry.

Edition details

• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0666111669
• ISBN 13: 9780666111661
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 58