The National Science Foundation (NSF) has allocated at least $200 million over the next five years to support four new supercomputer centers. Issues and trends related to this NSF initiative are examined. (JN)

The federal role in improving research and development productivity is discussed. A six-point national science and technology data policy is proposed, suggesting that progress ultimately will depend on an overall science and technology policy, the first priority of which is to make available existing knowledge. (Author/JN)

Discusses reasons for the small contribution to science and technology from Latin America which is essential for promoting the economic and social development of the region. Reviews the origin of Latin American educational and research systems, and the obstacles faced by the scientific communities in the recent past. (LZ)

Discussed are the efforts of the Pentagon to help U.S. companies remain competitive in high-tech civilian markets. The tug-of-war for these companies between Congress, which has come to view them as a vehicle for pork-barrel funding, and the administration, which is trying to rein them in, is described. (KR)

A brief history of science and technology in Latin America that begins with the Mayan civilization and progresses through the colonial period to the present. Compares increased scientific productivity in the Latin American and Caribbean regions to productivity in the United States and European Union. (LZ)

Encouraging a science park at Cambridge University has resulted in a geographically compact community with a broad range of high-technology industries. Factors leading to this university/business success (also called "The Cambridge Phenomenon") include: more relaxed attitudes about faculty's outside activities; positive attitudes toward…

Defines incremental product development and discusses how this style of innovation effects technology industries. Cites examples of Japanese competition which emphasizes quality and speed in product development. Makes recommendations for the improvement of product development in the United States. (CW)

Describes an approach for measuring industrial technological diversification behavior. Identifies sectoral patterns of Japanese industry as related to diversification behaviors. Delineates the mechanisms and effectiveness of Japanese corporate and government policies relevant to diversification. (ML)

Discusses recent efforts of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy to spark a regional economic resurgence through advanced technology in the Hudson River area. (CS)

Examines the effects of increased industrial funding on academic research in science. Highlights the funding arrangements at Carnegie-Mellon University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and discusses the impact of university-industry ties. (ML)

Examines the trends and efforts of Japan in funding basic and applied research in American universities and industries. Cites examples of the high-technology ties between the United States and Japan. Discusses the implications of foreign-funded research and technological transfer. (ML)

Reviews efforts of Britain's Committee on the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS) and identifies specific initiatives of the program. Evaluates aspects of the Royal Society's report and examines the status and future direction of the program in enhancing the public image of science. (ML)

Describes programs used by European countries and companies for advancing the commercialization of biotechnology. Compares European strategies and efforts in biotechnology with those undertaken in the United States. Includes listings of the European countries and the areas of biotechnology research. (ML)

Discusses the relationship and contributions of research and development (R&D) to productivity growth in the United States. Focuses on the impacts of industrial R&D and presents study results on trends in productivity. (ML)

Discusses the increasing trend toward the pork-barrel funding of science projects, particularly for grants to academic institutions. Addresses the new strategies being employed by opponents of such funding. Describes some of the possible ramifications of the various strategies and the perceived link between science funding and economic growth. (TW)