The Business of New Process Diffusion: Management of the Early Float Glass Start-Ups

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.

Brychan Celfyn Thomas is a Visiting Professor in Innovation Policy at the University of South Wales, a Doctoral Supervisor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Gloucestershire, and an Examiner for the International Baccalaureate Business and Management Diploma. Before retiring in October 2012, he was Reader in Innovation Policy at the University of Glamorgan Business School.

Alun Merlyn Thomas was educated at King Williams College in the Isle of Man and holds a BA (Hons) in Economics from Birmingham City University and is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries & Administrators (ACIS). He was for some years a member of the Institute’s Branch Council for South Wales. By way of occupation he has been a company accountant for a number of engineering organizations.