The evolution of IBM research: Looking back at 50 years of scientific achievements and innovations

Abstract

By the mid-1950s IBM had established laboratories in New York City and in San Jose, California, with San Jose being the first one apart from headquarters. This provided considerable freedom to the scientists and with its success IBM executives gained the confidence they needed to look beyond the United States for a third lab. The choice wasn't easy, but Switzerland was eventually selected based on the same blend of talent, skills and academia that IBM uses today-most recently for its decision to open new labs in Ireland, Brazil and Australia. © 2014 European Physical Society, EDP Sciences.