Asian Science and Technology Report: National Science Foundation, USA In the last decade, Asian countries have made rapid strides on many science and technology (S&T) indicators. SRI is assisting National Science Foundation in preparing a chartbook focused on Asian S&T. The chartbook will present data from 1990 to the present on the range of issues covered in Science and Engineering Indicators. It will also include comparisons with S&T indicators for the United States and Europe. SRI is currently working on compiling quantitative national S&T data on ten Asian countries, collecting basic demographic and other information on these countries, and preparing narrative descriptions of the S&T systems in each country for National Science Foundation. The report will include discussion of key economic, social, higher education, and legal (e.g., intellectual property rights) issues that bear directly on S&T. (National Science Foundation, USA)
Assessment of R&D Performance of the Communications Research Laboratory in Japan. This project provided an international assessment of the research and development (R&D) performance of the Communications Research Laboratory (CRL), a leading Japanese research institute that conducts a wide range of basic and applied research. SRI assessed the international standing of CRL’s specific R&D areas relative to international leaders. The approach of this analysis is guided by the observation that the international standing of a laboratory is based not on the work of the majority of its staff but rather on the highly visible accomplishments of its most creative and productive scientists and research groups. Their work, and the recognition of its impact on the specific fields of research or technology, constitute the “peaks of excellence” visible to the scientific community and serve as the foundations on which the international reputation of the laboratory is built. The focus of this analysis will be on the quality of CRL’s contributions to science and technology and the international recognition of CRL’s top researchers and project teams.
Building Prosperity: A Five-Part Economic Strategy for Hong Kong's Future. SRI assessed the status of Hong Kong's economy and how it is likely to develop as it moves toward 1997. SRI examined key elements of the territory's economic infrastructure to determine what investments and policy changes are required to position Hong Kong for economic success in a changing environment. SRI specifically analyzed the key issues involved in the increasing interface between Hong Kong and China. SRI issued a major report outlining an economic strategy for the future. After extensive consultation with the Hong Kong business community and government, and Chinese leaders, SRI later prepared a detailed implementation report, which has had a significant influence on business and government.
Economic Impacts and Benefits of a Biotechnology Park Development in Kobe, Japan. On behalf of the City of Kobe, SRI collaborated with Bechtel Corporation to plan a biomedical cluster strategy and park development plan for Kobe. The SRI team identified industry trends, opportunities, and market niches that fit with Kobe’s strengths. SRI developed strategic development and investment attraction plans that involved major stakeholders, including the city government, business leaders, a consortium of Japanese universities, private and public-funded research facilities, potential venture capital providers, airport development authority, and the port authority. A major part of this study was the preparation of a detailed economic impact assessment.
International Benchmarking of Material Science/ Nanotechnology: National Institute of Material Science: NIMS, Japan SRI examined the material science/nanotechnology activities and policies in the United States and United Kingdom. For each country, SRI looked at the policies and priorities related to material science/nanotechnology, and identified the leading research centers and technical focus areas. The project included an analysis of literature related to material science/nanotechnology policies and priorities; a bibliometric analysis of material science/nanotechnology research; and interviews with leading technical and policy experts in material science/nanotechnology. Results were presented at a seminar in Tokyo. (National Institute of Material Science: NIMS, Japan)
Lessons from the U.S. Experience with Start-up Companies and Tech Transfer from Government-funded Laboratories: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology: AIST, Japan. For the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan, SRI gathered, analyzed, and summarized the experience of U.S. universities, government laboratories, and other research institutes in creating venture-type start-up companies. SRI also analyzed and summarized the U.S. experience in developing effective, mutually beneficial R&D and technology relationships between government-supported laboratories (including university-based laboratories) and industry. SRI synthesized these analyses into a set of conclusions and practical suggestions for research organizations and government agencies, and presented the work in a half-day symposium in Tokyo. (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology: AIST, Japan)
Medical Industry Development Initiative in Kobe, Japan. On behalf of the City of Kobe, SRI prepared a comprehensive plan for the establishment of a biomedical industry park in the city. SRI determined high potential industry cluster segments, provided best practices of 10 successful U.S. regional biotechnology clusters, and crafted a detailed investment promotion and institutional plan. SRI also crafted a unique economic impact model to forecast the benefits (employment, tax revenue, local purchases, etc.) associated with the biomedical park under different growth scenarios.
Taiwan's Economic Development Experience Economic Planning Council, Republic of China. At the request of the Economic Planning Council of the Republic of China, SRI examined the economic development experience and its relevance for other developing countries. The SRI team interviewed top level government officials to elicit views on strategy formulation, and examined Taiwan's policy and institutional approach for accelerating growth of output and exports. The project led to two publications, one of which served as the basis for a Public Broadcasting System program on successful development experience. (Economic Planning Council, Republic of China)
Technology Assessment, Development, and Management Project: Malaysia. SRI examined Sabah's changing comparative advantage and recommended measures to enrich the state's economic infrastructure and improve its overall economic competitiveness. SRI's report reviewed the Malaysian state's economic infrastructure, partly in light of the U.S. experience, and identified new policy and program directions. SRI's findings provided the basis for a new economic policy promulgated by Sabah. State officials are using the report as a guide to help develop an economy able to add more value to Sabah's commodity products.
Technology Management Strategy: Korean Institute of Science & Technology: KIST, Korea. SRI and SRIC collaborated to assist KIST in assessing its technology management practice and developing a technology portfolio strategy with supporting organizational structures and human resources at KIST, using knowledge of "best practices." During phase one, the study team conducted a Technology Management Diagnostic at KIST through a series of focus groups to help articulate KIST's mission, and to assess its strengths and weaknesses in the areas of technology management, organizational structure, leadership, human resources, and linkages to end-users. International best practices in managing technology R&D portfolios were examined to draw useful lessons for KIST. Phase two of the project resulted in a balanced technology portfolio strategy for KIST. During phase three the study team provided institutional development and training which helped to align policies structures and procedures at KIST with its strategic direction. (Korean Institute of Science & Technology Policy: KIST, Korea)
Workshop on Research Evaluation for the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP): Korea Institute of Science, Technology Evaluation and Planning, Korea, SRI organized and presented a workshop for Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP) on the topic of R&D planning, evaluation and management. Selected Korean government officials working in the field of science and technology policy attended. The objective of workshop was to learn from and compare notes with practitioners of science and technology policy in the US about R&D management and evaluation. (Korea Institute of Science, Technology Evaluation and Planning: KISTEP, Korea)
R&D Divisions