Discusses some of the federal and state engineering research initiatives that have been launched in recent years, including the National Science Foundation's Engineering Research Centers. Proposes that the status of the United States' competitiveness may depend on how well we manage this process as much as on the resulting technologies themselves.…

Describes the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC), a non-profit research cooperative designed to conduct research in the field of integrated circuits, principally in U.S. universities, with membership restricted to U.S.-owned companies. Analyzes SRC's impact on the U.S. educational system. (TW)

Discusses the development of innovation and business incubators, including the stages of innovation typically addressed by such programs. Describes the efforts of the Thayer School, a graduate professional school at Dartmouth College, in establishing an innovation incubator. (TW)

Addresses the recent shifts in the United States research system. Discusses the Congressional activities of the 1980s that have encouraged the restructuring of the traditional research sectors, and the breaking down of old barriers. Poses several unresolved questions regarding federal policies in research and technology development. (TW)

Addresses the guidelines most institutions of higher learning use in determining to what extent their faculty can be involved in outside consulting. Reports on a study detailing the amount of time engineering faculty spent doing consulting. Outlines a set of pros and cons concerning faculty consulting. (TW)

Discusses the National Science Foundation's program to establish Engineering Research Centers (ERCs). States that this effort has provided a new impetus to interdisciplinary research efforts on university campuses. Claims that the concept of bringing together industry, academia, and government is necessary in addressing engineering research and…