John Kenly Smith Jr

About the Author

John Kenly Smith Jr. is a distinguished historian specializing in the intersection of science, technology, and business in modern America. With a keen eye for archival detail and a narrative flair that brings corporate boardrooms and laboratory benches to life, he has illuminated the pivotal role of research and development in shaping industrial giants. His seminal work, Science and Corporate Strategy: Du Pont R and D, 1902–1980, part of the Studies in Economic History and Policy: USA in the Twentieth Century series, offers a comprehensive examination of how DuPont's innovative strategies propelled it to the forefront of chemical engineering and beyond. Smith's scholarship draws on extensive primary sources to reveal the human stories behind technological triumphs, making complex economic histories accessible and engaging for scholars and general readers alike. A professor emeritus of history, he continues to influence debates on innovation policy and corporate evolution.