Sarnoff Labs: ´still crazy´ but coping

The donation of RCA´s David Sarnoff Research Laboratory to SRI International, following GE´s acquisition of RCA, is described. Sarnoff´s role as a contract research laboratory and its restructuring into three divisions-consumer electronics and information sciences, manufacturing and materials, and solid state-is discussed. Some of the projects of each division are highlighted. The challenge of marketing in Sarnoff´s new role, as it changes its culture from that of a captive research organization to that of one that goes out and sells its services, is noted. The impact of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and restructurings in general on corporate R&D in the US is examined.<>