Industry's view of the role of academic research services, industry's return on the investment, and forms of purchase of research services are discussed and some related ethical and economic issues are presented. Four catagories of academic research services are identified: (1) available, independent, focused expertise; (2) peer review; (3) independent communications between competing industries or industry and government; and (4) credible opinions. For each of these academic services a viable, acceptable return on investment is listed. The forms of purchase of research services are discussed, including individual consultation; focused grants-in-aid; the university project/independent consultant; and the incorporated academician covering the supplemental activity of some academicians who individually contract to provide research services. (SPG)