The sympoisum was held to describe the roots and future plans of the Engineering Research Center's (ERC's) concept and program. The first section of this symposium compilation describes the national goals that the ERCs represent. The second section presents the point of view of the National Science Foundation on the ERCs--the concept behind them,…

A master agreement to formalize university-industry cooperation can conflict with patent policies and intellectual property protection. Agreements should allow protection for sources of competitive advantage and focus on university core competencies. (SK)

This symposium issue presents nine articles that discuss the U.S. Air Force STINFO (Scientific and Technical Information) Program, which was developed to improve the effectiveness of collecting and disseminating scientific and technical information concerning Department of Defense, Army, Navy, and Air Force research and engineering efforts. (LRW)

The Knowledge Innovation System is a management technique in which a networked enterprise uses knowledge flow as a collaborative advantage. Enterprise Management System-Architecture, which can be applied to collaborative activities, has five domains: economic, sociological, psychological, managerial, and technological. (SK)

Presents an interview with National Academy of Sciences president Frank Press who discusses various topics and issues related to the new era of science. They include the rapidity of scientific advances, changes in the structure of science policy, and concerns about university research systems. (JN)

In the present paper we question how engineering education (and engineering) can support greater participation and inclusiveness in decision making and science and technology. We consider the work "relating" to engineering and society that is conducted by the scholars of science and technology studies, but which is rarely read or considered by the…

Notes the contributions that research universities are making to research and development in the United States, including their impact on science policy and economic growth. Urges that more funds be put into academic research institutions, arguing that current levels are proportionately low. (TW)

All-inclusive patent and licensing policies of research universities ignore the strengths of individual disciplines and varied needs of industrial sponsors. Some academic units are involved primarily in incremental improvement, while others generate breakthrough developments. Industry also pursues differential innovation patterns. Disciplines…

Interviewed is the director of a Swiss research and teaching institute in the field of water resources, water pollution control, and waste management. Topics include lake studies, research programs and priorities, advisory services, and the organizational structure of EAWAG. (BT)

A survey of almost 1,000 research and development staff at large industrial corporations in Britain and Japan investigated differences in employment structures (market-oriented vs. organization-oriented), learning in higher education, and career expectations. Significant differences were found in attitudes of workers in the two countries.…

New industrial, scientific, and political problems have changed the nature of work, trade, and warfare. Work, trade, technology and education are discussed, along with problems shared by U.S. industry including structural changes, world competition, loss of leading edge, etc. (MLW)

To improve America's technological base, a national organization that would support the physical sciences in much the same way that the National Institutes of Health have supported health sciences is called for. Includes proposed organizational structure and functions of a National Institutes of Engineering. (Author/JN)

There is a strong potential role for land-grant institutions, to provide technology education programs and outreach to industry. There is also a role for the federal government in stimulating, assisting, and coordinating a nationwide network of regional, state, and local programs for technology development and industrial extension. (MLW)

Recent and anticipated declines in openings for new science and engineering faculty are examined, along with recommendations for national policies to counteract this. It is suggested that the decline stems from two key sources: an absence of growth in total faculty size, and low rates of retirement among present tenured faculty. The extent of the…

The transfer of technology from U.S. research universities in cooperation with the private sector is addressed in proceedings of a National Council of University Research Administrators conference. The first discussion session, "New Technology from University Research and Development (R&D)," examines the university research…