The University of Cambridge named a Chicago-based venture capitalist and technology transfer specialist, Teri F. Willey, to head its technology commercialisation business and to implement a controversial new patent policy.

A group of researchers at Southampton University takes time off from deep thoughts about the future of information technology to see if they can work out how to spot the next "killer app". Not quite, but they have some thoughts on how to look out for great ideas that use the semantic web.

A short volume of statistical data supports the IEA's big report on renewable energy.

A new report demands more action on renewable energy. Maybe this time around there really will be some opportunities to make money through innovation.

Agilent Labs reckons that it still supports "the values that have made Dave Packard and Bill Hewlett’s company a success". At least they have a stab at telling us what they do.

An academic finds that basic research comes in various shades of purity, and that scientists can change their use of the term in mid sentence.

Multinationals have a new weapon in the innovation race: technology scouts. These people scan the globe looking for the next big thing.

Are patents too easy to acquire – or too hard? The UK is trying to find out, writes Nuala Moran

Helping UK universities turn their ideas into business has turned into a business of its own – with four IP management companies quoted on London’s Alternative Investment Market.