University-industry links: Government as blacksmith

With continuing high inflation, declining productivity, negative trade balances and other indicators pointing to diminishing technology leads in the United States, considerable emphasis is being placed on the role of technology innovation in increasing productivity and international trade competitiveness and in combatting inflation. One element in creating an environment more receptive to technology innovation is establishing appropriate linkages between universities, industry and government. Traditional linking mechanisms between universities and industry may not be adequate or flexible enough to meet the challenges of the next several decades. Based upon findings at several Congressional hearings, there is a need to encourage new mechanisms linking universities and industry. Several legislative initiatives have been proposed in the 96th Congress which would encourage such university-industry linkages.