Sarnoff Labs: 'still crazy' but coping

The donation of RCA's David Sarnoff Research Laboratory to SRI International, following GE's acquisition of RCA, is described. Sarnoff's role as a contract research laboratory and its restructuring into three divisions-consumer electronics and information sciences, manufacturing and materials, and solid state-is discussed. Some of the projects of each division are highlighted. The challenge of marketing in Sarnoff's new role, as it changes its culture from that of a captive research organization to that of one that goes out and sells its services, is noted. The impact of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and restructurings in general on corporate R&D in the US is examined.<
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