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From Novelty to Utility: George Westinghouse and the Business of Innovation during the Age of Edison

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  • Usselman, Steven W.

Abstract

This article argues that Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse, despite some shared characteristics in their approach to technical problems and a common interest in electric power, pursued distinct markets for innovation. Edison sold novelties to upper-class urbanites, whereas Westinghouse provided equipment to railroads and other industrial customers. As a consequence, the two entrepreneurs consistently exhibited different attitudes toward the process of innovation and different inclinations as businessmen. Westinghouse, more than Edison, foreshadowed the coming of corporate research and development.

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  • Usselman, Steven W., 1992. "From Novelty to Utility: George Westinghouse and the Business of Innovation during the Age of Edison," Business History Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 66(2), pages 251-304, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:buhirw:v:66:y:1992:i:02:p:251-304_06
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    Cited by:

    1. Dibiaggio, Ludovic & Nasiriyar, Maryam & Nesta, Lionel, 2014. "Substitutability and complementarity of technological knowledge and the inventive performance of semiconductor companies," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 43(9), pages 1582-1593.
    2. repec:hal:spmain:info:hdl:2441/43aq8ffdqb82sbffkv69bt1eaa is not listed on IDEAS
    3. repec:spo:wpmain:info:hdl:2441/43aq8ffdqb82sbffkv69bt1eaa is not listed on IDEAS

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