Increasingly, academic institutions are asked to redress perceived national and regional economic shortcomings directly through technology transfer, formation of new companies, and product development; but the effectiveness of these mechanisms is unproven. Academic administrators must assess the match between capability and goals and preserve the…

The need for research administrators to understand and appreciate the pharmaceutical industry's research and development environment is discussed, using examples from Canada. The research administrator's role in the technology transfer process and implications for faculty are examined. Ways to build closer school-industry ties are discussed. (MSE)

The issues universities must address in developing technology transfer policies and activities are examined, including definition of academic, financial, and economic objectives; identification of available resources; creation of a favorable institutional environment; appropriate arrangements for research administration and industry liaison; and…

It is suggested that small- and medium-sized public universities without a commercial tradition reorganize the research administration function to serve as information clearinghouses, conduct "business intelligence," and identify new technologies and entrepreneurs among researchers. Research administration could include other practical functions…

New Jersey is strengthening its high-technology economy by encouraging technology transfer through supporting advanced technology centers, funding academic researchers for technical problems of immediate industry interest and application, and forming other, less-structured alliances. Better interaction between the state's research community and…

A discussion of legal aspects of college faculty efforts to profit from their research activities considers whether judicially acknowledged distinctions between faculty's academic and personal pursuits will apply in such cases of commercialization. Implications for increased regulation of core institutional and faculty activities are examined.…

Comparison of patent policies of universities in France, Great Britain, Germany, and the United States suggests that, although U.S. institutions' policies are far better developed, the European universities are capable of the same success, even within existing administrative frameworks. Economic, scientific, and national development benefits are…

Two types of Canadian institutions (university-related research parks and Ontario's "centers of excellence") charged with fostering technology innovation and facilitating technology transfer between university and industry are described and compared. It is concluded that despite limitations, both play a positive role in enhancing…

The documents enclosed in this report provide a comprehensive and systematic review of the progress made in developing a network organization capable of supporting nanoscience education for the public on a national scale. There is a logic to the studies that were done and to the reports that are included in this notebook. The following are the…