• Physics Resources
• Jobs
• Statistical Research
• Science News
• Public Policy
• History
• Physics Education
• Industrial Outreach
  • Industrial Physics Forums
  • Corporate Associates
  • Membership Benefits
  • Become an Associate
  • Current Associates
  • Advisory Committee
  • Special Events
  • Prize for the Industrial Application of Physics

"The Changing Dynamics of Industrial Research as a Consequence of Global Trends"

"General Motors’ R&D: Managing Innovation Globally"

Abstract

The rapid pace of technology development and the globalization of the automobile industry are major forces driving General Motors to devise new ways to innovate faster and more efficiently. In response, GM has developed a global R&D network that has transformed GM’s research and development organization from a U.S.-based enterprise to one that is over 30 percent leveraged with collaboration in 16 countries. This talk will focus on the challenges faced as well as the lessons learned and best practices developed in building this network.

Biography

Alan Taub received his BS in materials engineering in 1976 from Brown University, and his Master’s and PhD degrees in applied physics from Harvard University in 1977 and 1979, respectively.

During nearly 15 years in research and development with General Electric, Taub earned 26 patents and authored more than 60 papers. For nine years, he conducted research on the mechanical and electrical properties of materials, later leading a superconducting materials team that pioneered technology breakthroughs for commercial adoption by GE’s medical group. He ultimately managed the GE materials properties and processes laboratory.

In 1993, Taub joined Ford Motor Company, managing the Materials Science Department where he was responsible for advanced automotive body, chassis, and powertrain materials. Later, he was manager of North American vehicle crash safety. Prior to leaving Ford, he was in product development as manager of vehicle engineering for the Lincoln brand. Taub joined General Motors Corporation in 2001 as executive director of the science laboratories for GM Research and Development. He was named executive director of General Motors R&D in 2004. Taub is responsible for GM’s seven science laboratories in Michigan and India. These labs focus on a wide range of technology, including advanced powertrain systems, computer-based design and analysis systems for vehicle engineering, electronics and information-based vehicle systems, new materials and fabrication processes, more environmentally friendly fuels and lubricants, and more efficient emission control systems.

Responsible for GM’s advanced technical work activity, Taub manages a portfolio of major innovation programs of strategic importance to the company. He oversees global technology collaboration, which is managed through technology offices around the world that coordinate government and industry partner projects and collaborative research at leading international universities. Taub also serves as the interface between R&D and the rest of GM on advanced technology development and implementation.

Taub was a member of the USCAR Automotive Composites Consortium from 1993 to 1997 and served with the PNGV Materials Tech Team from 1995 to 1997. He has been an active member of the Materials Research Society and serves on advisory boards of several institutions, including Harvard University, Brown University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, and the National Science Foundation.

He is married with three children and resides in West Bloomfield, Michigan.