Abstract

Various initiatives, past, present and proposed, for the advancement and exploitation of neural networks are outlined. The preliminary findings of the first Europe-wide survey in this area are discussed, followed by the thoughts of the author on the current and future status of neural computing. Programs in the European Community (EC), non-EC programs, and UK programs are considered. The survey confirmed a lag before academic research activity is taken up by industry for prospective embodiment into their future products and an even longer lag before such products become available in the market-place. The author's experience of commercial activities suggests that industry is exploiting neural computing techniques, though in many cases the implemented systems employ well-tried and well-understood networks. Priorities are suggested that are essential to the commercial exploitation of neural networks.