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Rationale for Industry Committees Successful commercialization of a revolutionary technology, such as fuelcell industrial vehicles, requires the input of many parties with in-depth knowledge of each industry. Selection of the proper vehicle platform, development of a safe and productive prototype, and establishment of a sound protocol to demonstrate it require input from technologists, manufacturers, organized labor, regulatory agencies, the industrial customer, trade associations, and others. Historical examples demonstrate that failure can derive from not engaging the major players of an industry in the development and demonstration process. In one instance, researchers failed to consult mine operators in the selection of an appropriate vehicle platform. They built a vehicle that, although technically successful, provided no economic incentive to industry, and consequently the prototype did not proceed to commercialization. In another, researchers commenced development of a vehicle without consulting organized labor regarding issues affecting the safety of workers in the demonstration. This ultimately led to the project’s abandonment. The committee structure of the Fuelcell Propulsion Institute, based on actual vehicle development and demonstration projects, meets the needs of industry and therefore facilitates commercialization. Our projects are “pulled” by industry rather than “pushed” by technologists. Different industries – metal mining, railways, agriculture, and coal mining – have different concerns, constraints, and players. Thus, we have separate committees for each, and projects satisfying the needs of industry result.
Committee Activities Industry committees undertake the following activities:
Click on the name of the committee for further information: Metal Mining | Railways | Agriculture | Coal Mining
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