ACS Careers Industry Forum - Will today's small companies grow become the large companies of the future?

[samueltoba]

Posting questions received from registered participants for ACS Careers Industry Forum teleconference by Bill Carroll. Please share your thoughts on this discussion topic.

"There appears to be more growth in chemistry jobs at small companies compared to large companies.  Do you think this will continue to be the case (with companies remaining small or new ones being created) , or will today's small companies grow become the large companies of the future?"

[Williamcarroll]

I think for the most part no, and this is why.

First of all, the odds are against it on a numbers basis.  Second, many of those companies will be acquired by larger companies for their ability and intellectual property.  Think about it from the perspective of the information technology business of the '90s.  How many times did you see a small company nucleate, commercialize a good product, have a growth spurt, then be acquired.  The principals then go off and see if they can do it again.

I think that's mostly going to be the model.  However, small companies will still be where a lot of the jobs are, make no mistake about it.  They may not have the perceived security and permanence of larger companies, but they will be the engines of innovation and probably fun places to be because of it.

Bill Carroll