(A) Conceptual design is the crucial part of product development and new products make an important contribution to the economic performance of any country, including Slovenia. Using a prescriptive model of technical system updating/upgrading and processing of certain sources of innovation (physical law, architecture, geometry, material), a systematic approach to updating/upgrading was presented on several concrete examples of technical system updating. This systematic approach has resulted in shortening of the time from when a decision on updating is made until the technical documentation for an updated product is prepared. (B) The pionieering work in the field of technical information systems has been rounded by publishing of a book entitled E-business and technical information systems (original title Elektronsko poslovanje in tehnični informacijski sistemi, 2000; Authors: Jože Duhovnik and Jože Tavčar). Many researchers and experts from industry have found starting points for their work in this book. Preparations are also underway for a project that will provide informational links for small companies from the field of agricultural machinery. Exchange of information creates a possibility for typifying, and thus increases the competitiveness of small companies. The possibility to participate in this project will give such companies new developmental incentives. Within the framework of the FP 6 programme, we are active in the preparation of two large projects in the field of PDM/PLM. Both programmes have been submitted to the Ministry and will be evaluated with supplements in the autumn of 2003. (C) By upgrading the software and manufacturing procedures, it will be possible in the future to assure a higher percentage of succesful procedures by making fitted prostheses. This will improve the health of people and indirectly also reduce the costs of health insurance. Our findings regarding management of complex anatomical data have also enabled us to develop an easier approach in other related fields of research, such as for example imaging of leg anatomy for Alpina Žiri. (D) In the refurbishment and construction of new hydroelectric power plants in Slovenia, it is necessary to design turbines which will be safe and reliable and will rationally use the available water resources. With the obtained knowledge it will be possible to check whether a bidder's turbine fulfils these criteria. The acquired knowledge can also be used directly on concrete projects for the lower Sava river chain of hydroelectric power plants, in particular if the turbine equipment is constructed by a Slovene manufacturer. Because of more detailed modeling of turbine characteristics, a reduction of costs for the production of components is also expected, along with an increase in reliability and the resulting reduction of maintenance costs that are incurred by turbine users.