Rare is the university or government scientist who can step easily into the shoes of a private entrepreneur. The two professionals come from different cultures: one driven by a search for knowledge and understanding, the other oriented toward profit and the marketplace. Yet, there is an increasing tendency--and, some would say, need--for more scientists in the United States to become entrepreneurs.
This country's economic health as well as its standing in an increasingly competitive world economy depend upon the expeditious development of basic research findings into commercial products and valuable technologies. Such development creates jobs. It also generates income (from patents on research discoveries) for universities and government laboratories, which are often hard-pressed for dollars to maintain state-of-the-art scientific programs and teaching facilities. Furthermore, the scientific enterprise as a whole grows stronger as a result of the cross-fertilization of ideas that occurs during entrepreneurial projects involving both academic and industrial...
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