The Business of New Process Diffusion

Book excerpt: The Business of New Process Diffusion explores entrepreneurship, innovation and process diffusion through the example of the development of float glass. The significance of the glass industry as a vehicle for studying innovation activities has been recognised for some time. By using it as an example to draw out the key themes of innovation and diffusion theory, this book uses its specific industrial history to form an illuminating case study. Little has been written in terms of the management of the early float glass start-ups, resulting in a gap in the literature. This book seeks to remedy this by recounting developments through the lens of one of the leading glass technologists involved in the process at the time, using historical and archival material, and artefacts from the period. It illustrates the business origins of the process and its invention, progressing to innovation, competition in the market, first successful production, licensing and patents, and the management of the start-ups leading to market leadership: all significant to the study of technology, entrepreneurship and innovation. This short-form volume provides a concise but rich resource for researchers and students of the theory and practice of innovation, new process diffusion and start-up management.