One wonders sometimes if there is a lack of curiosity that no database will cure. Also, a database is only as good as the quality of its information. Regarding information quality, there is a citation problem in academic publications. These seem to be citing patents less and less. In an applied field, like water, failure to cite these cite-able references obfuscates where the cutting edge is, makes everything look like a new discovery, and gives the false impression that academics are the sole innovators. Nothing could be further from the truth and academia is in reality a very small piece of the innovation pie.
Published by Marc Andelman
One wonders sometimes if there is a lack of curiosity that no database will cure. Also, a database is only as good as the quality of its information. Regarding information quality, there is a citation problem in academic publications. These seem to be citing patents less and less. In an applied field, like water, failure to cite these cite-able references obfuscates where the cutting edge is, makes everything look like a new discovery, and gives the false impression that academics are the sole innovators. Nothing could be further from the truth and academia is in reality a very small piece of the innovation pie.