Discusses some of the federal and state engineering research initiatives that have been launched in recent years, including the National Science Foundation's Engineering Research Centers. Proposes that the status of the United States' competitiveness may depend on how well we manage this process as much as on the resulting technologies themselves.…

Discusses the development of innovation and business incubators, including the stages of innovation typically addressed by such programs. Describes the efforts of the Thayer School, a graduate professional school at Dartmouth College, in establishing an innovation incubator. (TW)

Reports on a study into engineering education programs, focusing on graduate programs and research. Provides data reported by the 225 Engineering and Technical College Affilliate Members of the American Society for Engineering Education, and includes information on faculty, enrollment, degrees granted, and research budgets. (TW)

Addresses the recent shifts in the United States research system. Discusses the Congressional activities of the 1980s that have encouraged the restructuring of the traditional research sectors, and the breaking down of old barriers. Poses several unresolved questions regarding federal policies in research and technology development. (TW)