ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how the contract research and development has developed at the Norwegian Institute of Technology, Trondheim. The role of universities in applied research and development and their relationship with industry and government have been much debated subjects over a number of years. In the developing countries the university often represents by far the major concentration of scientific and technological competence. For these countries it is therefore crucial that better mechanisms are developed to improve and strengthen the interaction between the university and the community. The Foundation of Scientific and Industrial Research at the Norwegian Institute of Technology (SINTEF) has since then grown into an operation which is probably the largest of its kind in Western Europe. SINTEF is an independent contract research organization established as a free, legally independent foundation. The sponsored research programs which are channelled into the university environment through SINTEF play an important role in maintaining relevant teaching programs.
