There are more than 4.8 million patents in the U.S. Patents File. It is the most comprehensive collection of technological information in the world. By their nature, patents are "teaching" documents, and are used as a source of basic information, as a vehicle for teaching critical and creative thinking, and in many school "invention programs."…

Identifies concepts relevant to technology transfer as a subject of study, including technological developments or modifications, and social, political, economic, personal, and cultural barriers to transfer. Describes issues such as appropriate technology and timing of innovations. (SK)

This six-chapter book presents background papers used by participants at a meeting designed to examine the prospects for and roadblocks to scientific and technological innovations as the 21st century is approached. They include: (1) "Research Universities and Industrial Innovation in America" (Steven Muller); (2) "The Role of…