Publisher's Synopsis
This is a state-of-the art view of how science and technology interact with the economy and society, as seen in a cross-section of modern research. Policy-makers in the field of technology policy will find lessons from other countries, such as the United States, Sweden and Japan, rich empirical material (including examples of biotechnology and microelectronics) a short simple outline of modern theoretical research and policy suggestions.;Business management is facing a further challenge as the technology base is widened to include a greater range of technologies. This account of the organizational constraints encountered in this situation will be appreciated by those who have to take investment decisions in the light of technological developments.;The changing structure of investment in both physical and intangible assets is examined. Insight into investment decision-making, into changes in aggregate investment, into their policy implications and into new policy directions is developed.;Five sets of interrelated issues are observed - the changing nature and structure of investment, the role of investment in the creation and diffusion of new technologies, critical internal factors in the development or aquisition of new technologies, the link between investment and technological change at company level and macro-economic performance and the determinants of investment and the role of public policies.
