Are R&D Project Termination Factors Universal?

OVERVIEW:Earlier studies of U.S. R&D projects identified a set of factors to help recognize which projects are most likely to fail. With greater internationalization, it is necessary to understand whether the same factors can indicate failing projects in other countries. A recent study comparing R&D projects from the U.S. and Germany reveals that the factors are common for projects in both countries, with, of course, minor differences. With similar market, technological, and to some extent cultural, environments in Germany and in the U.S. the commonality of the factors is very high. The authors suggest that these factors are universal so long as the market and technological environments are similar.