NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY - CURRENT POLICIES AND OPTIONS FOR FUTURE

The author contends that there are several indications that the United States' performance in science and technology has deteriorated in the last few years. This is documented in the National Science Board report, ″Science Indicators - 1974,″ which was transmitted to Congress by President Ford on February 23, 1976. Fewer money and manpower resources are being invested in research and development, and also this research and development is resulting in fewer inventions and is contributing less effectively to productivity and competitiveness in international trade. Furthermore, the general societal environment is today less conducive to technological innovation, and appears to be becoming even less so. The need is emphasized for a broadly based, coherent National policy to avoid further deterioration of the Nation's performance in science and technology.