Trends in university technology transfer activities and the commercialization of research results are discussed, based on a 1985 survey. Responses revealed widespread changes in internal patent and licensing activities and increased disclosure of inventions by faculty to the university. Factors contributing to this trend include: changes in federal patent policy; a new approach to the public service role of colleges; and growth of state economic development programs that provide incentives to colleges to link college-based technology with business. To enhance technology transfer of inventions, colleges have increased the number of persons who evaluate intellectual property; reduced the use of patent management firms; and revised patent policies to use resources to develop inventions and redistribute royalties to create incentives for faculty. Some universities have created nonprofit foundations and for-profit corporations to own patented inventions and to support further research on campus. University joint ventures with firms to establish for-profit corporations and wholly-owned subsidiaries were undertaken by some schools. The use of each type of arrangement at a number of specific universities is described, including Brown University, University of Wisconsin, University of Pittsburgh, University of Michigan, University of Washington, and University of Colorado. (SW)