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Global university rankings are critically discussed concerning their outcome, e.g., pointing to contradictory results. In contrast, this paper examines three issues with the example of three well known rankings (Shanghai, Times and Taiwan). First, on which methods, in particular on which indicators are they based? Second, are there fundamental deficits of concept and systematic biases? Third, can one predict good or bad ranking scores, based on the respective concept? In addition with the example of German universities there are two factors on performance measurement discussed, disciplinary cultures and size of the university. In sum, the usefulness of global rankings is considered to be highly questionable. Measures in science policy should not be legitimated with such rankings. (HRK / Abstract übernommen).

A more detailed understanding of the interaction between science and technology is necessary in order to develop appropriate tools for future R&D management and technology policy. The first part of this book describes the structure of the science/technology interface and analyses the role of science for the generation of new technologies and respective institutional problems. The second part examines the challenges to R&D management and appropriate management tools from the perspective of industrial enterprises. Part III documents the results of two field studies in the science-intensive areas of medical lasers and neural networks. The major aim of the book is to bring together the variety of different approaches from an academic and industrial perspective

Background: Experts recommend support to patents for stimulating innovation. Also, the South African government supports patents, in particular, international patents. In this paper it is examined how this strategy can be designed to successfully trigger economic progress. Aim: The present South African activities in patents are investigated in this paper and areas identified where an intensification of patenting looks promising for economic progress. Setting: The patent activities since 1985 are analysed and compared to the annual export-import balance from 2009 to 2018, in order to identify starting points for improving economic structures. The data are linked to current suggestions to the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) for future technologies. Methods: The analysis of patents is performed, using the international patent database PATSTAT, as well as the analysis of the export-import balance at the WITS database of the World Bank. Results: The patent analysis reveals a low level of South African domestic patents, with a focus on less complex goods and a stagnation period of 35 years. The data on the export - import balance show negative figures for consumer goods and even more so for capital goods. Conclusion: Economic progress can be accelerated by stimulating patent and economic activities to produce more complex consumer and capital goods. However, it may be necessary to focus on certain areas at the beginning in order to achieve a sufficient critical mass of competence and international competitiveness. In any case, the support of patents is only successful when it is closely linked to a strategy regarding technology.