Changing Patterns of Industry Research, 1996 Process & Product Quality Conference Proceedings

Keynote Speaker - Gary A. Baum

Institute of Paper Science and Technology

A number of factors are currently changing the way industry research is carried out. This trend will improve the quality, timeliness, and cost effectiveness of the research and will assume that the research results are focused on major industry needs. Over the past few years, as companies have cut costs, there has been a decline in research performed in corporate laboratories and more dependence on supplier companies and academia to conduct the research. In addition, the United States pulp and paper industry has agreed to work together on precompetitive research and in late 1994 signed an agreement (Agenda 2020) with the Department of Energy -Office of Industrial Technologies. The DOE-industry partnership is expected to reduce energy consumption in the forest products industry by 20% and waste generation by 3%. Six task force groups are currently developing scenarios for the industry for the year 2020 and are starting to define an industry research agenda. In parallel with this, the pulp and paper schools in the U.S. have formed a Pulp and Paper Education and Research Alliance as a means to complement each other’s strengths and to develop joint education and research programs to address the industry research agenda. TAPPI has also played a role in this arena by supporting “industry research needs” workshops, emphasizing the importance of quality research, and reaching out to academicians not normally involved with industry research. As a result of all of the above, an industry research agenda will emerge that will be strongly focused on major industry needs. A significant part of the research will be conducted through industry (including suppliers)/academia/government partnerships. These partnerships will help assure that good project management techniques are used and there is an effective transfer of the technology. The payout will be timely research results that are needed, and implemented, by the industry.