A Message About the Study

U.S. companies have made decisions not to become major commercial players in high-volume applications of recharge-able battery technology despite being at the forefront of its development. The situation is similar in other specific technology areas. ATP commissioned this study to understand what industry factors-global and domestic-affect the decisions of companies to make the investments needed for high-volume production in rechargeable batteries and certain other technology-based products. Learning more about these factors can assist ATP in evaluating the quality and credibility of proposals for ATP funding against the business-economic criteria and in assessing on-going commercialization planning.

To address this issue, we engaged Dr. Ralph Brodd, an inter-national consultant with a long career in development and commercialization of battery technologies. For this study, Dr. Brodd conducted over 40 structured interviews with management individuals spanning major battery companies, materi-als and component suppliers, venture capital firms, start-up companies, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), universities, and government and military officials.

Dr. Brodd has woven a story from this collection of interviews and his findings are documented in the study. As intended, the study presents the collective, peer judgment of international battery experts and is more anecdotal in nature than scientifically researched. The study confirms many preconceptions, and provides rich material for future study as ATP continues to seek a greater understanding of the factors important to the commercialization of new technologies and the complex pathways associated with delivering benefits in an international industry.

Jeanne Powell, Senior Economist and Contracting Officer's Technical Representative
Economic Assessment Office, Advanced Technology Program
Gerald Ceasar, Program Manager
Information Technology and Electronics Office, Advanced Technology Program

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Date created: July 21, 2005
Last updated: August 4, 2005

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