Papers Commissioned as Inputs to Annual Science and Technology Report (ASTR) (2nd). Volume III. University-Industry Interactions in Science and Technology

摘要

While there is general agreement that stronger university-industry interactions are desirable and in the public interest, these interactions are in fact only means for achieving other ends. The promotion of industrial innovation is the goal of most immediate interest to government, but closer links can also support regional economic development, improve R&D results for government programs, and enhance national research efforts, as well as provide direct gains to universities and firms. Three broad approaches to strengthening university-industry interactions to promote industrial innovation are direct corporate funding of university research, cooperative (cost shared) research, and measures to enhance knowledge transfer and the exchange of people. Government actions that could encourage more direct corporate support of university research include clarifying antitrust guidelines for industrial consortia and providing tax credits or federal matching grants. Tax credits or matching grants usefully stimulate the industrial demand for R&D rather than the university supply, but there are no good estimates of their likely effects on total R&D spending or on the federal budget. Means to encourage industrial gifts or sharing arrangements that will upgrade university research equipment deserve particular attention.