Role of Technical Literature in Science and Technology Development and Exploitation

Abstract

Utilization of the technical literature in the complete science and technology (S&T) development cycle is examined. Ready access to the results of all global research performed is required in order to: (1) track research impacts, to help identify benefits arising from sponsored research; (2) evaluate science and technology programs; (3) avoid research duplication; (4) identify promising research directions and opportunities; (5) perform myriad oversight tasks; and, in general, (6) support every step of a strategic research planning/selection/management/evaluation process that makes optimal use of S&T investment resources. In addition, recent counter-terrorism concerns have highlighted the need for ready access to, and analysis of, databases that could link people with institutions and activities. In the S&T arena, this requires linking research performers with organizations, countries and technical areas. There are five necessary conditions for ready access to, and exploitation of, the global technical literature: (1)content - the research results need to be documented comprehensively; (2) dissemination - the research results need to be easily available to a wide audience; (3) extraction - high-quality information extraction methods are required; (4) utilization - the research results need to be integrated into the strategic S&T management process; and (5) motivation. The technical community needs to be motivated to use the global technical literature for planning, selection, management, review and transition. All five conditions have severe limitations today. These limitations are described, and recommendations for overcoming them are presented.