2011年12月英语六级仔细阅读原文

　　2011年12月英语六级仔细阅读真题第二篇选自英国卫报网站。原文发表于2008年12月，题目"More UK universities should be profiting from ideas" 更多英国大学应从创意获利。

　　A recurring criticism of the UK's university sector is its perceived weakness in translating new knowledge into new products and services.

　　Recently, the UK National Stem Cell Network warned the UK could lose its place among the world leaders in stem cell research unless adequate funding and legislation could be assured, despite an annual ￡40m spend by the Department of Health on all kinds of research.

　　We should take this concern seriously as universities are key in the national innovation system and, in the face of the current economic turmoil, one of the few 'get out of jail' cards still held by the nation.

　　However, we do have to challenge the unthinking complaint that the sector does not do enough in taking ideas to market. The most recent comparative data on the performance of universities and research institutions in Australia, Canada, USA and UK shows that, from a relatively weak starting position, the UK now leads on many indicators of commercialisation activity.

　　Our weaknesses show up in the rates of US patenting and license income arising from our efforts, but these have improved and there is no reason to believe that this trend will not be continued.