Database of research structures in public and private institutions in the south of Italy

The development of the research project "The scientific system in Southern Italy" of the National Research Council has required a series of studies aimed at enhancing the knowl edge and analysis of specific problems of southern Italy (Mez zogiorno). The methodology of a specific inquiry about the structure and the research activities of the institutions operat ing in the Mezzogiorno is presented. The project included setting up a database with a conceptual schema which concerns structures, activities and ongoing research projects in public and private institutions in the Mezzogiorno, that can be con sidered as necessary infrastructure, in order to know the geo graphical distribution of the existing deficiencies and the more advanced areas in science and technology. The prototype of the database includes all public and private institutions carry ing out R&D activities but does not yet include academic structures. It also contains information and data on related activities such as training courses, scientific information and documentation activities.

The need to choose a formal data model which will allow the correct execution of the design of the complex conceptual schema has been resolved by the adoption of the second generation formal model Entity Relationship. This model, be sides being the object of much research in the academic world, has been widely used in industrial applications also because it is highly functional as a "common language" for end-users and analysts in the description of requirements and solutions. The main characteristics of the tool used to develop the database, ADEPT (Application Design with Entity Relationship Program ming Techniques) are explained. Examples of basic informa tion on research units and the main menus for database queries are given.