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Research paper : Study on the PAN carbon-fiber-innovation for modeling a successful R&D management (O. Nakamura et al.)−158−Synthesiology - English edition Vol.2 No.2 (2009) there is a flood of information, back then it was possible to think thoroughly about one’s research while conducting experiments.On the other hand, the research results were handled appropriately by the research management, by prioritizing patent application rather than the researchers taking initiative to present them at academic conferences. The initial research period of PAN carbon fiber was not only driven by the researchers’ interest, but was a result of good judgment and decisions of the research colleagues and managers as well as the industrial policy of the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology.2.5 Action of industry(1) GIRIO and local industryEver since its inception, GIRIO valued the relationship with local companies. In Osaka, trade developed in modern age, and new businesses were started up using the wealth gained in the trade. In fact, many businesses in pharmaceuticals and home appliances were started in Osaka by individuals, as well as by zaibatsu conglomerates. Because of this environment, people were constantly seeking ideas for business and information about latest developments. GIRIO was a place to obtain information, but GIRIO was not really aware of the underground information exchange outside of its activities as a public organization.In fair-sized companies that engaged in R&D, the supervisors ordered, “If your research gets stuck in a rut, go seek guidance at GIRIO.” One of the authors has heard that when a corporate researcher obtained certain results after solving a problem or produced new proposals after getting help by technological information obtained from daily conversations at GIRIO, the researcher went on to company presentation without mentioning that the idea was picked up at GIRIO. Therefore, there are very few official data such as of joint research and patent licensing that show the relationship between GIRIO and a company.However, there were several cases where technological transfer to companies was done through official technical assistance or joint research, and some companies have expressed gratitude to GIRIO in the “company history.” Examples of articles pertaining to PAN carbon fibers include the following:(1) Fifty Years History of Nippon Carbon (Nippon Carbon Co. Ltd., published August 31, 1967)(2) Fifty Years History of Toray (Toray Industries, Inc., published June 1, 1977)(3) Progress through Effort: Fifty Years History of SEC Corporation (formerly Showa Electrode Corporation) (SEC Corporation Ltd., published October 23, 1984)All mention that joint research and patent licensing from GIRIO for carbon fiber development helped their businesses.(2) Action of industry in carbon fiber development (Fig. 3)At the time, there were two groups that engaged in carbon fiber development, the primary group and the second group, and the two groups took different actions. The former worked on the commercialization of carbon composite material CFRP, and conducted high profile R&D. The latter Fig. 3 Efforts by Japanese and overseas industries on carbon fiberEurope and U.S.JapanU.K.U.S.PANRayon cannot surpass PAN1990198019701960Shift of emphasisMaterial companiesCarbon companiesWithdrawals by companies from carbon fiberUse in pressure container andarchitectural material stiffenerEnd of Cold War(decreased demand in aerospace)Mitsubishi RayonToho RayonSemi-works starts upFishing and golfLaunch leisure productsPilot plant startsoperationDevelopment of pitch fiberGives up rayon fiberBusiness slump of Rolls RoyceUCCCarbon fiber projectCross licensebetweenToray-UCCHerculesWhitacreRayonPANMorganiteCourtauldsRolls RoyceGovernment-led developmentTorayUCC achieves performance surpassing PAV by tensile treatment of rayonCarborundumGreat Lake Carbon3MHITCONittoboNippon CarbonNational Carbon (subsidiary of UCC) launches rayon carbon fiberInvention of PAN carbon fiber (Akio Shindo, 1959)Invention of rayon carbon fiber (W.F. Abbott, 1956)

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