On the threshold of the 21st century, an intensive debate about globalisation of R&D and technology markets is of crucial importance. Globalisation will carry on changing the framework for company strategies and subsequently for public policies.

These conference proceedings contain the papers presented at the international conference "Globalisation of R&D and Technology Markets - Consequences for National Innovation Policies," which was organised by the BMBF and FhG-ISI.

In the first part, following the introduction, the policy perspectives are formulated. In the second part the trends, issues and policy implications of the technological globalisation are presented. The third part focusses on international R&D strategies and the promotion of competence centres from the viewpoint of enterprises.

Introduction and Policy Perspective: F. Meyer-Krahmer: Introduction; Federal Minister Dr. J. Rüttgers: Opening Speech; J. Rüttgers: Globalisation of R&D and Technology Markets - Consequences for National Innovation Policy - 'Petersberg Theses'.- Globalisation of R&D and Technology Markets - Trends, Issues and Policy Implications: A. Jungmittag, F. Meyer-Krahmer, G. Reger: Globalisation of R&D and Technology Markets - Trends, Motives, Consequences; U. Hiemenz, O. Bouin, D. O'Connor, D. van der Mensbrugghe: Emerging Global Economic Trends and Issues; S. Ostry: Globalisation Implications for Industrial Relations; L. Soete: European Integration as an Answer to Technoglobalism; J. Mittelstrass: New Challenges to Education and Research in a Global Economy.- The Firm's Perspective: Y. Neuvo: Improving Local Conditions for Innovation - The Scandinavian Perspective; H.-G. Junginger: Global Development of R&D - The Japanese Perspective; N.G. Riedel: Improving Local Conditions for Innovation in the Pharmaceutical Industry; F. Strascheg: Policies to Strengthen Innovative Start-ups and SMEs in Global Competition.