A study in long-term technology strategy at an American chemical company

Abstract

In the mid of its nearly 200 years history, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (Du Pont) made a transformation from a gun powder company to a diversified chemical company with intensive R&D capability. Now the company is making another major change into a company with integration of biotechnology and chemistry. This thesis analyzed Du Font's long-term technology strategy. The company is going to make a strong commitment in development of biotechnology as well as integration of biotechnology and chemistry. The company will utilize existing materials businesses as a cash source. The thesis concludes that the company should keep its strategy. However, considering that Du Pont was relatively late to have made commitment in biotechnology, the company will have a tough time. Also, the fact that Du Pont has strong capability in scientific research could arise an organizational issue.