Viewpoint

Setting up large teams to study the “known unknowns” of science leaves no room for the unexpected, says Sir Alec Jeffreys, the discoverer of genetic fingerprinting.

Shifting the EU budget from agriculture to research would give much more added value, says Tobias Krantz, Sweden’s Minister for Higher Education and Research.

Universities should think carefully when deciding whether to set up TTOs as separate companies or keep them in house, says Tom Hockaday from Isis Innovation.

Not all universities – or staff members – are convinced technology transfer is part of their remit. Here are some ideas on how to persuade them.

A fundamental shift in EU policy for R&D and innovation is in the works this year – but will it make Europe more innovative, asks Richard L. Hudson.

The new rules for the international economic system must be fit for the Knowledge Economy, writes Debra M. Amidon.

Some see the financial catastrophe as a way to kick start a new cycle. But conditions may not be right for an innovation-led boom, says Sami Mahroum.

Political leaders love innovation and want more of it, but they need to have the right policies, says innovation guide Joachim von Heimburg.

Innovation through R&D, not tax-payer funded scrappage subsidies, is the only way for the car industry to rescue itself, writes Nuala Moran.

Basic and applied research are not either/ors. Both should be funded to beat the slump, says Nuala Moran.