From The Sources of Economic Growth by Richard Nelson, but I think it’s a quote from James Fisk, Bell Labs President:
If the new work of an individual proves of significant interest, both scientifically and in possible communications applications, then it is likely that others in the laboratory will also initiate work in the field, and that people from the outside will be brought in. Thus a new area of laboratory research will be started. If the work does not prove of interest to the Laboratories, eventually the individual in question will be requested to return to the fold, or leave. It is hoped the pressure can be informal. There seems to be no consensus about how long to let someone wander, but it is clear that young and newly hired scientists are kept under closer rein than the more senior scientists. However even top-flight people, like Jansky, have been asked to change their line of research. But, in general, the experience has been that informal pressures together with the hiring policy are sufficient to keep AT&T and Western Electric more than satisfied with the output of research.
[Most recently brought to my attention by this post from a few days ago]
From The Sources of Economic Growth by Richard Nelson, but I think it’s a quote from James Fisk, Bell Labs President:
[Most recently brought to my attention by this post from a few days ago]