ABSTRACT
Europe’s economic frontrunners and is set to play a leading role in the European
Single Market, thanks to its dynamic and innovative economy.
The modernization and diversification of traditional industries and the
establishment of new sectors geared to the products and services of the future
bear witness to the continuing process of structural change. The need to adapt to
constantly changing national and international demands fosters creativity and
mobilizes growth potential. Research and development are an important part of
this process and 25000 scientists are employed in 50 universities and polytechnics,
3 major research institutes and a variety of other research establishments in North-
I N T R O D U C T I O N
Rhine-Westphalia. Covering research into a wide variety of fields, these organizations are a source of economic stimulus in the region. Several technologybased intermediary organizations have been set up to make the results available to the corporate sector (Cooke & Davies 1993).
