At the Flashpoint Between Research and Practice Regional Research and Development Environments as Promotors of Science Communication Begin to Appear

In this article I have chosen to give a presentation of the growing body of new research environments in Swe- den where interactivity is not just a trademark but also a necessity if they are to meet the demands made by public institu- tions in the local areas in which their research is conducted. This article highlights the development of interactive research as it has been manifested in the various research environments built up by local and county authorities in Sweden. And their role as promotors for science communication is discussed. PERSPECTIVES ON KNOWLEDGE AND COMPE- TENCE DEVELOPMENT Excess of Information Since radio found its way into every household there has been a huge increase in the availability of one-way mass information. Since the capacity of the human brain is a con- stant quantity despite this overwhelming supply of informa- tion, we are forced to be extremely selective and our ability to sift becomes more and more refined. When we select, our choice is to a large extent based on the credibility of the source and the relevance of the message to us. This increases the value of personal contacts.