I enjoyed reading the book Skunk Works years ago. I think it illustrates some of the timeless principles of effective engineering culture. As one book reviewer put it:
(1) Eliminate bureaucracy
(2) Prefer having a small with high average talent to a larger less talented team
(3) Make sure different functions are physically next to each and communicate incessantly
(4) Shield the team from external pressure
(5) Challenge the team with “impossible” problems that get talented people excited.These are all things that can help a small talented team far outperform a larger team with a much bigger budget.
I think you see some of the same dynamics at Bell Labs.