THE INVENTION OF THE TRANSISTOR AT BELL LABS OR THE CREATION OF AN EXPERTISE ON AN UNKNOWN FIELD

Abstract

How is expertise built in a large organization? And what relationship does it have with innovation? This article tackles these questions based on the famous case of the invention of the transistor at the Bells Laboratories. Going step by step through the design process of this invention between the years 1930 and 1948, it offers a reflection on the complex relationships between practical objectives, theoretical unknown and business expertise strategy.