The last decade has seen a major increase in research and development (R&D) collaboration between universities and industry. Industrial funds going to colleges and universities to support R&D rose from $84 million in 1973 to $194 million in 1979, and further to $370 million in 1983. Although the total is still under 5% of total university R&D, most observers acknowledge that there has been an explosion in the number and variety of university-industry alliances, their potential for changing the scientific enterprise, and the need for carefully considered guidelines.' This article describes some of the central questions asked about the rash of new arrangements: What have been the motivations of universities and industries? What are the various kinds of programs? What are the problems that have arisen, and how have these been met? How can one begin to define the public interest in these changes in research arrangements? At present, we can only sketch a rough map of a complicated terrain, and make some observations on isolated points. More definitive answers will require monitoring and evaluation over time.2 Our inquiry is based on a review of historical materials and contemporary analyses of indus-