The commercialization of university research and the growing importance of technology transfer is examined through discussing and comparing the history of technology transfer and its organization in four major American research universities: University of California, Berkley; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Stanford University; and Pennsylvania State University. The historical development of these activities is considered, as well as the settings and academic cultures in which they exist today, the changes they have brought to the universities, and the responses made by the universities to those changes. Activities covered include patent policy and administration, university ownership of equity in research-based companies, industrial liaison programs, continuing education, and university contribution to community and state economic development. Surveys are described that provide faculty responses to each of these activities as well as to the changes brought about by technology transfer. Also included are models applicable in other institutions and a schema for effective planning. Finally, a description is provided of past and present technology transfer activities, the issues they raise, and the implications these issues have for the future of American universities. References are included with most chapters. Includes an index and numerous tables, figures, and exhibits. (GLR)