The leading–edge R&D executives who gathered to discuss product and technology management at the Arthur D. Little colloquium represented companies of vastly different sizes, industries, cultures, and histories. Yet as the two–day session unfolded and participants identified their key challenges and best practices, there was a clear congruence of experience. These senior managers saw the world through much the same eyes – whether their companies made prescription drugs or postage meters, satellites or shaving products, mailing labels or military hardware. And they shared many of the same goals and frustrations.