Abstract

Last year at the Boston meeting, Herman Schroeder in introducing a session stated, “Research is cheap, it is development which is expensive”. I certainly concur and I would add that it is the dream of all industrial researchers to see the results of their research reach the marketplace. There is no secret to the transition from laboratory to commercial development. What is required is: (1) Personal zeal, a thesis, and a cooperative atmosphere in the laboratory stage. This characterized the people in the Elastomers Group at Exxon. (2) Some good engineers who can devise an economical process for the product. (3) At least one knowledgeable and aggressive product champion in the market development stage. (4) Reliable cooperation and feedback from potential users. (5) A current or impending need in the marketplace. (6) The availability of some risk capital and business people who have the courage and confidence to use it as such. (7) A technical service-research organization that can carry the product through the rough spots encountered in its introduction and thereafter. The researcher must accept the fact that not too many ideas are likely to result in commercial success in any particular milieu, because of these many conditions which must be met in orderly and timely fashion. I have mentioned many names in this talk. Without difficulty and with ample justification, I could mention many more and herewith wish to acknowledge all those who at one time or another contributed to making mine an interesting, exciting and satisfying career in industrial research. I appreciate having had this opportunity to talk to you and am genuinely thrilled, as is my family, that you have accorded me this honor. Beyond that, though times are a bit troubled, be assured that the rubber industry is neither dead nor dying. There is much research to be done and many new products and concepts to be developed. Keep at it, don't get discouraged and best of luck to you all. Thank you.