This research involves a study of the role of supporting infrastructures, such as laboratory facilities, equipment, support personnel, funding, communication, etc., in technology development. These studies will be addressed in particular to understanding the role of these infrastructures in promoting or hindering the development of a group of critically innovative technologies that exhibit certain well-defined characteristics. The investigation will be conducted from an historical point of view, and will focus on a carefully selected group of case studies, which include instances in which contemporary technologies, such as high-temperature superconducting materials, are included. This research seeks to provide anecdotal data on the technologies studied that may help in understanding the role that NSF/ENG can play in technological innovation in emerging engineering technologies.
