Universities are under increasing pressure to help promote socio-economic growth in their local communities. However until now, no systematic, critical attention has been paid to the factors and mechanisms that currently make this process so daunting. In Universities and Regional Development, scholars from Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia…

This special report answers several questions about basic research in chemistry. Topics of discussion include spending for basic research, numbers of individuals engaged in basic research, and the quality of the work force in basic research. Future research levels are projected. Tables and graphs present associated numerical data. (CS)

Discusses the role and importance of physics in the engineering curriculum, considering the need for physics knowledge in technology transfer and in preventing architectural disasters. Also discusses preuniversity physics preparation in Saudi Arabia and an optimum engineering physics curriculum, outlining a proposed four-semester physics course.…

The contribution focuses on the process of merging the East German system of higher education with that of West Germany in the context of German unification in 1990/91. The impact of German unification on East German higher education is described as consisting of five basic measures: (a) de-politicisation; (b) reorganisation and evaluation of…

Discusses the enhancement of economic leadership by improving workers' skills, supporting research and development and encouraging investment that applies to technological innovations. Suggests a relationship between national rates of capital investment and increases in productivity and economic growth. (RT)

Describes a successful example of a large program of industry-university research collaboration in the field of construction engineering and management. The initial objectives and the anticipated benefits of collaboration for both parties are discussed. (LZ)

Contemporary technology has many applications that differ from their original usage. Programs sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) need advanced technology and the technologies they generate are exceptionally diverse. The large storehouse of technology built over almost a quarter-century of space research and more…

Various topics on the biochemistry of genetic manipulation are discussed. These include genetic transformation and DNA; genetic expression; DNA replication, repair, and mutation; technology of genetic manipulation; and applications of genetic manipulation. Other techniques employed are also considered. (JN)

Universities and industry are forging new relationships to support academic research and industrial research and development, including the establishment of university/cooperative research centers. Discusses various cooperative projects at these research centers. Includes a list of representative R&D centers in biotechnology, building…

Discusses technological advancement in Japan (including financial tools) and America's response to meet the Japanese high-technology challenge. This response includes university programs to learn about Japan/Japanese, cooperative agreements with Japanese universities, and programs to send U.S. graduate students to work in Japanese companies. (JN)

Describes the organization of metrology, standardizations, and testing in the Federal Republic of Germany. Technical assistance programs for developing countries are also considered. (YP)

Presents an overview of the teaching of plastics at various levels of technological education in the Netherlands focusing on mechanical engineering. Highlights the design process and discusses the Dutch perspective of the role of materials engineering in engineering curricula. (ML)

Scientific and technical journals in biology and medicine in recent years have extensively covered a debate about whether and how to determine the function and order of human genes on human chromosomes and when to determine the sequence of molecular building blocks that comprise DNA in those chromosomes. In 1987, these issues rose to become part…

Reviews the scope and dimensions of engineering new surface technologies. Focuses specifically on thermochemical treatments. Identifies the more widely used thermochemical treatments and describes the nitrocarburising and bonding treatments in particular. (ML)

Presents a rationale for the teaching of materials in engineering degree courses. Reviews the requirements established by various professional engineering bodies in the United Kingdom for accredited engineering degree courses. Discusses the aims of the course as well as instructional concerns. (ML)