Planning a Successful R&D Alliance

To evaluate the potential of technology for an alliance, Duracell carried out a situation analysis that had some aspects of "Third Generation R&D." These aspects were basically a "filter" or "screen" that allowed portfolio technologies to pass through and be considered, while those that did not were rejected. Based on this analysis, initial discussions were held to explore alliances. The outcome was positive and in the spring of 1983 Duracell formed an R&D alliance with a European partner. The major activities and some of the insights Duracell has acquired from this endeavor are described.