Gate System Focuses Industrial Basic Research

Abstract

OVERVIEW:The Exxon Research and Engineering Company (ERE) stage-gate system builds on product development gating systems, recognizing that research of a fundamental nature is often required to generate the science-based technologies needed to realize business opportunities. The ERE system adds early stage-gates for the basic research phases of technology development. Stages A and B initiate the research activities that generate the information required for assessments along nine key dimensions. These dimensions establish the decision criteria at each gate for advancing the project to the next stage. The dimensions for decisions, thus established in the early gates, proceed with increasing depth and detail throughout the later development gates. Gatekeepers—management representatives of each of the organizations needed to advance the project to commercialization—use the gate criteria to make decisions. Initial experience with applications of the extended gate system shows the importance of flexibility, business involvement, and connection to the research planning process.