Prior to joining IDC, I used to work at a product and process innovation consulting firm. The technical staff – many of my colleagues – consisted of more than a hundred mechanical, electrical, chemical, and other engineers with multiple doctorate and post doctorate degrees. The company also actively maintained a network of scientists who played an advisory role and could be consulted on a moment's notice. During my ten-year tenure this network grew into the thousands. The company's top clients included Fortune 1000 companies – mostly in the manufacturing and consumer goods industries – with significant R&D investments.