Expansion at the CEA : the SOITEC experiment

SOITEC was created in 1992 by two researchers who defected from the CEA. After an explosive start, they became world leaders in insulator-mounted silicon chips. They turned towards an entirely new technology in 1995. In order to satisfy their wish to have their own business, the two directors associated themselves with the Japanese leader in silicon and intended to go public in 1999. This example highlights the problems associated with expansion. How do laboratory practices create such favourable conditions? How can industrial property conflicts be resolved? What is the attitude of venture capital and public authorities ? What are the risks related to the internationalisation of capital and alliances with large foreign companies ?