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Beginning in 2007, and for a period of two years, the Global Science Forum focussed its attention on strengthening the connection between academic mathematics and industry. Two linked activities were undertaken, as follows:
Given the increasingly intimate connection between science, innovation, and mathematics, it is natural to enquire whether the interface between these three domains is functioning in an optimal way. To address this issue, the Global Science Forum held a workshop in March 2007 in Heidelberg that brought together mathematicians, representatives of industry, and officials of science funding agencies. The objectives were (1) to survey the relationship between the mathematical sciences and industry in the participating countries; (2) to identify the most important trends in mathematics research and in industry affecting the relationship between the two communities; (3) to identify and analyse major challenges and opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships. The report from the workshop contains analyses and findings in these areas, emphasising the significant (and largely unrealised) potential of applying advanced mathematics to modern industrial problems. It recommends that national administrations, academic institutions, and high-technology companies give serious consideration to implementing the concrete programmes and mechanisms described in the report.
Following approval of the workshop report, the GSF agreed to a follow-on activity that would gather information for a compendium of projects that have successfully bridged the gap between industry and academic mathematics. The resulting Report on Mechanisms for Promoting Mathematics-in-Industry is a factual catalogue of the ways in which the various mechanisms cited in the workshop report have been implemented around the world. The catalogue, which is not comprehensive, has been compiled with the aim of helping governments, industries and academia to see how they may best exploit mathematics as an industrial resource for both research and training. Additional information will be incorporated as it becomes available.
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