Management and the introduction of computing in British industry, 1945–70
Richard Coopey · Contemporary British History · 1999
In the 25 years following the Second World War the computer underwent a radical transition, from being a large‐scale military‐scientific technology, to one with widespread applications in industry. Britain was at the forefront in the first part of this process, but fell behind rival economies in the second ‐ particularly when compared to the USA. This article traces the level and type of computer usage in Britain during this formative period and re‐examines some contemporary analysis in order to assess the extent and effect of this ‘computing gap’. The article outlines the costs and difficulties inherent in early computing, and stresses the importance of linking the level of computer usage to firm structure and environment. It also suggests ways in which managerial cultures in Britain shaped computer usage, and the impact, in turn, which computerisation had on these cultures.