Description

Research provides extraordinary benefits to society through the creation of new knowledge and the training of scientists and engineers. The research and higher education system in the United States is the envy of the world, and has a long history of advancing the state of scientific knowledge. This is known as “scientific progress”: “. . . not the mere accumulation of data and information, but rather the advancement of our codified understanding of the natural universe and of human behavior, social and individual." These advances have addressed such goals as enhancing the Nation’s public health, military security, prestige, educational achievement, work force, technological development, environmental quality, and economic competitiveness.

To say only that research contributes to national goals, however, simplifies and understates a complex system. Research is no longer a remote, scientist- or engineer-defined activity resulting in new knowledge for society. Perhaps it never was. “Deeply held political values of democratic accountability and public scrutiny have naturally and inevitably impinged on science policy. Demands for observable benefits from public investment in science increase. ’ Such demands have led to claims that scientitic research has a signficant and direct impact on the economy, and that an investment in knowledge is a downpayment on the products and processes that fuel U.S. economic growth and productivity.