Freedom and need: The evolution of public strategy for biomedical and health research in England

The optimal support of health-related research and development with public money is a complex challenge. Over the last century, policy makers in England have conceived and implemented a variety of models, ranging from independent, curiosity driven research to needs-based state commissions, and promoting different bodies to oversee scientific work. This paper traces these approaches, identifies the principles that drove them, and discusses their role in shaping policy for publicly funded health research, up to the recent launch of a new research strategy by the Department of Health

Civil society and global governance : the possibilities for global citizenship

In this article we reassert the role of governance as well as of civil society in the analysis of citizenship. We argue that to analyse global civil society and global citizenship it is necessary to focus on global governance. Just as states may facilitate or obstruct the emergence and development of national civil society, so too global governance institutions may facilitate or obstruct an emerging global civil society. Our key contention is that civil society at the global level thrives through its interaction with strong facilitating institutions of global governance. We start with a discussion of civil society and citizenship within the nation-state, and from there develop a model of global civil society and citizenship. Through analysing the impacts of various modes of global governance, we identify strategically appropriate forms of political and social engagement that best advance the prospects for global citizenship. <br /

Implementation of objective activity monitoring to supplement the interpretation of ambulatory oesophageal ph investigations

Introduction Conventional catheter-based systems used for ambulatory oesophageal pH monitoring have been reported to affect patient behaviour. As physical activity has been associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), there is a risk that abnormal behaviour will degrade the value of this diagnostic investigation and consequent management strategies. Our aim was to provide the reporting physician with objective peri-investigational changes in activity, and the means to assess the association between activity and pH during the test, using a wearable activity monitor

DEFENSE INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERS AND PUBLIC POLICY

The role of defense in national innovation systems is highly topical, because of the complexity of defense systems and the desire to get value-for-money from R&D investment, especially through the commercialization of defense-funded technology. In practice, external transfer has proved to be a difficult, labor-intensive process, which requires a strong commitment from both parties. Here, intellectual property rights (IPR) appear as a strong incentive for collaboration. Analyzing the lack of IPR culture in defense industries elucidates the difficulties and failures in spin-off attempts. We finally propose strategies leading to a market for defense-born technology.Defense technology, Dual use, Technology transfer, Intellectual property rights, Collaboration, Transaction costs,