A more detailed understanding of the interaction between science and technology is necessary in order to develop appropriate tools for future R&D management and technology policy. The second part examines the challenges to R&D management and appropriate management tools from the perspective of industrial enterprises.

Contents: The Role of the Scientific Community in the Generation of Technology: Introduction.- Relation of science to research and development - definition of concepts.- R&D systems in selected countries.- Knowledge transfer from non-industrial research institutions to industry.- The role of science within models and theories of the innovation process.- The role of scientific institutions within national systems of innovation.- Conclusions and recommendations.- Challenges to and Management of R&D Activities: Introduction.- Challenges to the management of R&D.- Basic models of R&D management.- Tools for R&D activities.- General conclusions and recommendations.- The Organisation of Interdisciplinarity - Research Structures in the Areas of Medical Lasers and Neural Networks: Interdisciplinarity: a literature review.- Medical Lasers.- Neural networks.- General conclusions and recommendations.