Monday, Jul. 11, 1988

Business Notes INNOVATION

Few scientific endeavors have generated more excitement than research into superconductivity, which could lead to marvels like magnetically levitated trains. But U.S. companies may already be in danger of losing the markets for superconductor-based products. Says Senator John Glenn, who unveiled a new report from the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment last week: "As with semiconductors and videocassette recorders, the U.S. appears on the verge of missing opportunities offered by a new technology based on a science in which the U.S. is the pre-eminent leader."

The problem, says the OTA study, is that most U.S. managers, under pressure to show short-term profits, adopt a wait-and-see attitude toward innovation. Meanwhile, their foreign competitors, backed by government support, seek out | commercial applications more aggressively. Some proposed solutions: more joint ventures among industrial companies and increased Government funding of commercial development.