University research is frequently the root source of commercially exploitable technology. Far too often such technology has lain dormant between the covers of academic journals. No longer. Our institutions are now expected to manage and exploit their intellectual property. How should they go about it?

European policy-makers try to ensure that the education system offers the skills high technology industries demand. In this complex, shifting job market we need forecasting models that can predict tomorrow's skills gaps. Unfortunately, information on skill levels in high-tech sectors is patchy.