In recent years, societal interest in the transfer of technology from university to industry has made the development of appropriate linkage mechanisms to industry a major issue at a broad range of research universities. Dr. Etzkowitz is documenting the origins and legitimation of university-industry linkage mechanisms such as consulting, research contracts, centers and formation of new firms. He is investigating these issues in the context of the experience of MIT, one of the first and certainly among the most heavily involved of research universities which have sought industrial connections. Dr. Etzkowitz is examining the circumstances that gave rise to linkages between MIT and industry and is analyzing how the relationships that developed modified MIT's academic role, changed the functions of the institution; and affected the way that industry interacted with MIT. The integration of such activities into the academic enterprise was often problematical even at an institution like MIT which is ostensibly devoted to the support of industry. A series of controversies over industry relations took place at MIT that will be the focus of this study. The historical examination of these issues and how they were resolved at MIT can provide a framework for understanding contemporary conflicts over university-industry ties and provide guidelines for their resolution.
