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This paper explores how to extract empirical knowledge from R&D, patent, and business literature compilations to help compose an innovation system model. It adapts the key elements and dynamics of ‘technology delivery system’ modeling to a given Newly Emerging Science & Technology. We present a 10-step analytical approach to help characterize the technology, gauge its state of development, and depict the socio-technical system institutions and actors. We apply this to the case of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). A new ‘cross-charting’ method appears effective at associating novel technology-enabled capabilities to gain functional advantages, and to link those functions to potential applications. The resulting systems model can help private and public sector decision makers grasp key structures and processes, and how these can be tuned to enhance the prospects of successful innovation.

Nanobiomedical science is a promising area in the application of nanotechnology. This paper profiles a group of 21 leading scientists in nanobiomedicine based on high publication rate and high citations. Comparisons with other researchers indicate that the leaders publish more in high impact journals and collaborate more extensively (team science). They reside most heavily in the United States and Western Europe. We compare their research publications using multiple indicators–Integration, Specialization and a Multidisciplinary Index. Relations among interdisciplinarity indicators generated support a three-factor model based on principles of diversity. We locate this research among the disciplines using science overlay mapping. Key term analyses, based on keywords and on natural language processing help profile the research emphases of these leading researchers. Such results could serve as leading indicators to help identify directions of future nanobio development.

Technology Policy and Assessment Center, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta,GA 30332–0345, USA. alan.porter@isye.gatech.eduNanotechnology-enhanced thin-film solar cells constitute promising solar energy solutions andan important emerging application of nanotechnology. This paper profiles the researchpatterns via ‘tech mining’ to capture key technological attributes, leading actors and networks.We compare the leading countries, and key organizations, in terms of R&D quantity, impactand diversity. We find that India is a leader in this field, which is a little surprising. India andChina show strong trends of relative increase in both research activity and impact. OneGerman organization appears as especially productive and the central node in Germany’sresearch network, which contrasts with the diffused network of the United States. Interna-tional collaboration patterns also vary, with China particularly showing much less interna-tional cooperation than others. Some countries appear to share interests, but they do not showmuch cooperation – e.g., China with Japan. Research profiling, as illustrated here, can help anR&D manager or policy-maker locate one’s intended research activity among existingendeavors, to determine how attractive the opportunities are. Such depictions can also helpidentify collaboration opportunities and potentially attractive partners.

This paper develops microcomputer-based R and D project selection and project evaluation models. The models use Lotus 1-2-3 as a vehicle to provide practical research management support suitable for a developing country. The models are readily adaptable for various R and D management applications.

This study of 158 organizations sought to depict current uses of computers in R&D. A survey of senior R&D management by the Industrial Research Institute identifies a number of salient features. Routine computer use is becoming a characteristic of scientists, engineers, and managers. Yet characteristics of usage differ markedly by size of R&D unit and by line of business. Moreover, patterns of responses suggest on-going changes toward the time when R&D will be strongly coloured by the context of an integrated, intelligent computer environment. This implies new roles and skill requirements for R&D managers, professionals, and support staff.

A new framework for the study of interdisciplinary research processes is presented ‘STRAP’ emphasizes the combination of identifiable skills—substantive knowledge and techniques—that must come together to solve a complex research problem. This framework holds promise of better accommodating non-academic settings and yielding new insights into the management of complex R&D projects.