Discusses the issues and implications raised by the British government's White Paper on Science, Engineering and Technology entitled `Realising our Potential'. Basis of report; Reactions from various sectors; Organizational and management issues; Pervasive issues; Need to effectively address science and technology issues; Careful handling of graduate training; Need to ensure that bureaucracy does not overwhelm the enterprise; European dimension.
Opinion. Discusses the results of the British government's zero-based review of scientific strength and weaknesses. Citing of the 1993 White Paper; Principles on the separation of science and politics; Failure by the Advisory Board for Research Councils to shift resources between research councils.
Reports on the changes in the British educational system brought about by the White Paper report. Comments from science minister William Waldegrave; Reforms and boundary changes of the research council system; Revision of charters; Controversy over the proposal to reform postgraduate training through the introduction of a master of research degree.
Opinion. Comments on the White Paper report on the performance of universities in Great Britain. Shift of emphasis in the education system towards greater engagement in wealth generation; Focus on further education and the Training and Enterprise Councils; Need for iterative process between researchers and other personnel; Social, cultural and environmental interactions.
Reports on the increased financial recognition to be given to universities in Great Britain by funding councils for research in partnership with industry. White Paper report as source; Increased proportion of funding council budgets; Expansion of the Teaching Company Scheme; Support for local firms; Paper's analysis of the role of universities; More.
Discusses the White Paper report on competitiveness in Great Britain. Attention devoted by the government to innovation; Academics' development of novel perspectives on innovation and competitiveness; Government's move away from heavy bias in measuring performance as a function of individual firms; Change in the function of the Department of Trade and Industry; Promotion of civil industrial research and development.