Method for identifying R&D-based strategic opportunities in the process industries

The need for a conceptual method of pinpointing R&D-based strategic opportunities is identified. A method, the technological growth tree, is developed as a managerial tool for mapping out strategic planning areas for the process-based industries. The usefulness of the proposed method is illustrated by reference to the bromine and ethanol industries. A number of specific R&D-based strategic opportunities, identified by the application of the method to the above industries, is presented.