New product technology decisions in the US multi-market firm

Decision-making processes regarding new product technology in multiproduct organizations have been examined from three different perspectives: the chief executive officer (CEO), the chief operating officer (COO), and the chief technology officer (CTO). The study is a follow-on to initial exploratory research in this area and is based on data from 150 Fortune 500 companies that where selected because they listed their R&D spending in the firm´s annual report and the SEC´s 10 K. Three related, but different, questionnaires were sent to the CEO, the COO, and the CTO of these firms. The research hypothesis is that technically educated CEOs and COOs play a greater role in new product technology decision making in their firms and that these firms consider themselves technology leaders or at least strong technology followers. It is further hypothesized that the role of the CTO differs depending on the educational background of the CEO and COO. In addition, the use of a science advisory committee in such firms is explored. The findings are presented and discussed in detail