Major decisions concerned new government agencies, funding, and other bodies responsible for innovation policy. These and related policies are evaluated here. A focus is suggested on communicative interactions and reflexive mechanisms thus extending the analytical framework so that the study of the knowledge infrastructure of society can be endogenized into the evolutionary modeling. An interpretative framework is developed for analysing the mechanisms that drive the selection of participants for the Framework Programmes. As the quality of applicants is unmeasurable, the relevance of information signalling is stressed.
Selection is influenced in a distinct way by cumulative and self-reinforcement mechanisms.
Using co-authored scientific papers as indicators of research collaboration, the pattern of research linkages in the UK during the 1980s is analysed. This suggests a biomedical innovation system coexists with the more commonly recognised, industry-oriented system. Better knowledge of the biomedical system would augment our understanding of innovation processes and facilitate deeper insight into its previously neglected contribution. The technology of electric motors and the structure of the industry is described, examining technological capabilities and strategies of Brazilian firms. The main incentives for, and obstacles to, innovation and conservation measures are assessed.