Technology Transfer in Germany
When it comes to translating basic research into industrial success, few nations can match Germany. Since the 1940s, the nation's vast industrial base has been fed with a constant stream of new ideas and expertise from science. And though German prosperity (繁荣) has faltered (衰退) over the past decade because of the huge cost of unifying east and west as well as the global economic decline, it still has an enviable (令人羡慕的) record for turning ideas into profit.
Much of the reason for that success is the Fraunhofer Society, a network of research institutes that exists solely to solve industrial problems and create sought-after technologies. But today the Fraunhofer institutes have competition. Universities are taking an ever larger role in technology transfer, and technology parks are springing up all over. These efforts are being complemented by the federal programs for pumping money into start-up companies.
Such a strategy may sound like a recipe for economic success, but it is not without its critics. These people worry that favoring applied research will mean neglecting basic science, eventually starving industry of fresh ideas. Every scientist starts thinking like an entrepreneur (企业家), the argument goes, then the traditional principles of university research being curiosity-driven, free and widely available will suffer. Others claim that many of the programs to promote technology transfer are a waste of money because half the small businesses that are promoted are bound to go bankrupt within a few years.
While this debate continues, new ideas flow at a steady rate from Germany's research networks, which bear famous names such as Helmholtz, Max Planck and Leibniz. Yet it is the fourth network, the Fraunhofer Society that plays the greatest role in technology transfer.
Founded in 1949, the Fraunhofer Society is now Europe's largest organization for applied technology, and has 59 institutes employing 12,000 people. It continues to grow. Last year it swallowed up the Heinrich Hertz Institute for Communication Technology in Berlin. Today, there are even Fraunhofers in the US and Asia.
What factor can be attributed to German prosperity?
A. Technology transfer
B. Good management
C. Hard work
D. Fierce competition
Where Did All the Ships Go?
The Bermuda Triangle (三角区) is one【51】 the greatest mysteries of the sea. In this triangular area between Florida, Puerto Rico and Bermuda in Atlantic, ships and airplanes【52】 to disappear more often than in【53】 parts of the ocean. And they do so【54】 leaving any sign of an accident or any dead bodies. It is【55】 that Christopher Columbus was the first person to record strange happenings in the area. His compass. stopped working, a flame came down from the sky, and a wave 100 to 200-feet-high carried his ship about a mile away.
The most famous disappearance in the Bermuda Triangle was the US Naval (海军的) Air Flight 19.【56】 December 5,1945, five bomber planes carrying 14 men【57】 on a training mission from the Florida coast. Later that day, all communications with Flight 19 were lost. They just disappeared without a trace.
The next morning, 242 planes and 19 ships took part in the largest air-sea search in history. But they found nothing.
Some people blame the disappearances【58】 supernatural (超自然的) forces, It is suggested the【59】 ships and planes were either transposed to other times and places kidnapped (绑架) by aliens (外星人)【60】 attacked by sea creatures.
There are【61】 natural explanations, though. The US Navy says that the Bermuda Triangle is one of two places on earth【62】 a magnetic compass (指南针) points towards true north【63】 magnetic north,【64】, planes and ships can lose their way if they don't make adjustments. The area also has changing weather and is known【65】 its high waves. Storms can turn up suddenly and destroy a plane or ship. Fast currents could then sweep away any trace of an accident.
(51)
A. from
B. of
C. about
D. on
Most people hold the view not that opposites attract each other but that like attracts like.
A. Right
B. Wrong
C. Not mentioned
The religious differences are usually a big reason for breakups.
A. Right
B. Wrong
C. Not mentioned