A recent National Academy of Sciences report proclaimed a “virtual explosion over the past several years in the number and variety of universityindustry alliances.” Public attention to this phenomenon has primarily focused on the shifting proportion of research dollars contributed by business as opposed to government: the corporate contribution increased more than three-fold between 1980 and 1987, totaling nearly $700 million in 1987 alone. At the same time, federal financing levels have been moderating.

The perception of the potential influence of business on academic life far exceeds the reality based on the real dollar contributions involved. Federal contributions are still at greater amounts(about $7 billion) than those provided by industry. Nevertheless, considerable apprehension persists in many circles over potential adverse consequences on the quality and integrity of university systems. Over the short term, no grossly evident corruption of university values has occurred. Still, the concerns that excessive and inappropriately expressed commercial interests could over time cause adverse and subtle changes on our scholarly institutions are legitimate.