A question that now confronts producers, distributors, and consumers of information, as well as the manufacturers of information technology and the government is: what is the nature of copyright protection in the Information Age? Congress has a Constitutional mandate to protect the rights of innovators but has refused to act in the case of…

Describes the basic features of three different models of "innovation policy": (1) a model of explicit and institutionalized policy in Europe; (2) one of apparently limited policy affecting mainly the climate of innovation in the United States; and (3) one of implicit action imbedded in other policies in Japan. (Author/JN)

Discusses the history, technology, and functions of illegal publishing in Poland from 1945 to 1990, under official and widespread government censorship. Offers some sources for more information. (SR)

Various issues related to the interface between the natural sciences and the society they serve are addressed. These include direction of British research and development, problems in the business environment preventing the successful use of science, quality of management in successful use of science, and others. (JN)

Highlights a National Academy of Engineering symposium ("The Long-Term Impact of Technology on Employment and Unemployment"). The symposium is the start of a study of radical effects of the computer revolution on jobs and on economic, social, and cultural systems. Includes comments from participants; several key questions discussed. (JN)

An analysis of how the government can and cannot use research and development (R&D) policy to improve the nation's industrial posture suggests four guidelines for federal R&D policy. These guidelines are outlined and discussed. Areas analyzed include federal role; competition from Japan; support for university research, immigration policy,…

Solar photovoltaic cells have been called the ultimate energy technology, environmentally benign and without moving parts, solar cells directly convert sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic energy conversion is fundamentally different from all other forms of electricity generation. Without turbines, generators or other mechanical equipment, it…

Highlights a survey which examined the extent/variety of current university/industry research interactions, characterized principal cooperative efforts, identified factors appearing important in their formation, and which provided perspectives on the current state of university/industry relationships. Concludes that interactive efforts to support…

Discusses the federal government's role in supporting and, therefore, influencing the policy-making processes of the public broadcasting industry. (JMF)

National Science Foundation projects, including over 70 Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers and over 25 Engineering Research Centers, attempt to overcome the incompleteness of the separate research sectors of government, universities, and industry. The concept of next-generation technologies bridges the short-term focus of industry…

Suggests six principles that should guide federal government involvement (influence, direction of finances) in high-technology industries. Government roles in establishing a healthy environment, support for long-term payoffs, demonstration programs, world leadership, investment for university research, and encouragement for industry/university…

Announces the final rules published by the Environmental Protection Agency requiring that generators, transporters, and disposers of hazardous wastes report exactly where the wastes will be taken. (Author/SA)

Reviews issues that emerged in testimony before a House Subcommittee regarding the deteriorating quality of science and mathematics education. Focuses on (1) salary differentials that serve to entice teachers into jobs in business and industry and (2) lack of public understanding as to the importance of vital scientific technology. (GC)

Although a stable economy, abundant natural resources, free competition of ideas, and cooperation between government/universities/industries have been responsible for American preeminence in science/technology, it is threatened by high inflation, obsession with short-term results, declining respect for quality/value of products, and a…

Since industry is investing heavily in research/development, the government's responsibility should be to assure that industrial spending is paralleled by real growth in its support of basic research. Such growth is realistic (even with budgetary constraints) given a proposed compact between government, universities, and industry for support of…