Reports on investments in the United States (including database activities) by four Dutch publishing companies--Elsevier-NDU, VNU, Kluwer, Wolters Samsom Group. An analysis of the reasons behind these investments, the solidness of the companies, the approach to the U.S. information market, and the knowledge transfer to Europe are highlighted. (EJS)

Investigates the choice processes within innovation processes in industrial research laboratories. Develops a conceptual framework for the analysis of the processes through two case studies. Discusses the potential of the framework both for enriching the analysis and for enhancing social influences over industrial research. (Author/YP)