9403891 Hempel The key to the operation of university research Centers that interact with industry in a collaborative mechanism is the formulation and implementation of an industrially relevant research program. There have been no reported studies on the discussion process Center directors use in making the selection of projects for a Center's research program. This study will: 1) investigate and document methods used by successful directors for prioritization of Center research projects; 2) investigate the heuristics employed by industry members of Centers; and 3) examine the importance of timing of project inputs and outputs to industry members in their selection process. The Principal Investigator is well qualified to perform this study. The Program Manager recommends the University of Connecticut be awarded $53,752 for eleven months for this project.
