Calls for evidence-based policy often fail to recognise the fundamentally political nature of policy making. Policy makers must identify, evaluate and utilise evidence to solve policy problems in the face of competing priorities and political agendas. Evidence should inform but cannot determine policy choices. This paper draws on theories of…

In recent years, a more sophisticated vocabulary has emerged in the field of higher education. Categories such as" socially relevant research"; "knowledge mobilization"; "research impact"; "innovation"; and "university priorities" have appeared. At first glance, these words may appear neutral,…

Systemic understanding of potential research activities and available technology seeds at university level is an essential condition to promote interdisciplinary and vision-driven collaboration in an attempt to cope with complex sustainability and environmental problems. Nonetheless, any such practices have been hardly conducted at universities…

In moving health and social service programs from planning into action, it is essential to understand the extent to which the knowledge gained from research should influence the actions taken by organizations and agencies that provide services (e.g., government, nongovernment organizations [NGOs]). The complexity of the challenges in translating…

Case studies of 10 publicly funded research laboratories in Italy show that integration of scientific research into the social system has only partially been achieved because of barriers in the host institutions and that there is continuing conflict between the priorities of quality and research transferability. (SK)

The number of university-industry R&D partnerships (UIPs) has increased significantly over the past decade, in most OECD countries and in Australia, yet the study of risk in such commercially focused collaborative ventures is still a developing area. This review paper seeks to contribute to debate on this increasingly important phenomenon by…

The role of industry in the planning and management of research is discussed. It is suggested that university research should be ahead of industry and industry should not try to influence academic programs in the basic sciences. (Author/SF)

Over the past 20 years, the number of patents assigned to universities has increased dramatically. This increase coincided with several policy initiatives, such as the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980, designed to foster technology transfer between universities and the private sector. This paper examines the effect of such policies using an institutional…

Trends in university technology transfer activities and the commercialization of research results are discussed, based on a 1985 survey. Responses revealed widespread changes in internal patent and licensing activities and increased disclosure of inventions by faculty to the university. Factors contributing to this trend include: changes in…

A concept-based introduction to public transportation pricing is presented in this instructional module for undergraduate and graduate transportation-related courses for disciplines such as engineering, business administration, and technology. After an introductory section on transportation pricing planning and the history of transportation system…

Some of the essential elements now deficient in national energy programs are identified, and recommendations are offered for business, universities, and government regarding actions that may improve energy-related research and training. Five topics that need to be addressed by professionals are: (1) an energy policy that ensures that targets for…