Chemical industries: changes in products, processes, actors

Stokes, R. (2022) Chemical industries: changes in products, processes, actors. In: Kipping, M., Kurosawa, T. and Westney, E. (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Industry Dynamics. Series: Oxford handbooks. Oxford University Press: Oxford/NY. ISBN 9780190933463 (doi: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190933463.013.8)

Abstract

Dynamic change has characterized the history of the modern chemical industry from its inception in the early 19th century to the present. This article departs from previous studies of the industry’s evolution by dividing the history of the industry into five distinct periods. Each has entailed fundamental changes in the industry’s products, processes, main actors, and other aspects, and therefore alterations to its fundamental character. The main drivers and impacts of change over time have included technology, in particular application of theoretical science for product and process innovation; feedstocks; the companies populating the industry; government policy, especially with regard to intellectual property; and globalization.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Stokes, Professor Ray
• Authors: Stokes, R.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Economic and Social History
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISBN: 9780190933463