Critical issues related to international R&D programs

This paper discusses critical management, business and technical issues related to three recent international R&D programs between the United States and Japan. It summarizes case studies on two of these programs, then it extrapolates a third case of a program in progress. A review of these programs revealed that international R&D programs present unique challenges in relation to business mobilization, convincing organizations to accept outside technology, financing, program planning, joint program management, and engineering issues. Approximately 25 subjects were observed as critical issues. This paper discusses and illustrates organizational strategies and practical suggestions for managing these critical issues