Research needs of industry

This paper discusses the results of a study on the broad research and technology needs of industry. The study identifies the current sources of information, preferred sources, general areas of needs, expected impact of technology, some methods by which information on technology can be transferred, and the language style of the communications. The influence of firm size, and type of industry is also discussed. The study provides a basis for improving the transfer of information from the laboratory and research centers to executives engaged in the manufacturing and processing of materials and products. Included in the study are a variety of transfer agents including laboratories, universities, equipment suppliers, government, and others.