A historical approach to R+D+E in Telecommunications

This paper provides a historical perspective of the Research activities carried out in Telecommunications in the US and Europe. It describes the three phases that embody innovation in Telecom and explains the “triangular models” of the Bell System and ITT that enabled the funding of huge RDE expenses. The output of these efforts is reviewed in terms of products and the prestige attained by Corporations with the award of Nobel Laureates. The divestiture of Ma Bell and the selling out of ITT Telecom to Alcatel is revisited. These events brought about the collapse of the “triangular models” and weakened the research muscle of both companies.