Industrial research in america: challenge of a new synthesis

Industrial research in America faces a new era. Success will depend on a synthesis utilizing the strengths of industry, government, and academia to achieve industrial innovation. The origins of U.S. industrial research in the 19th century have led to its current traditions and philosophy. Vigorous, diverse, animated by both basic scientific knowledge and empirical techniques, it is today channeled by both societal needs and new technical possibilities. Many of its efforts involve fundamental research. Meeting future expectations will require even broader science, much of it from academia, as well as a license to function from governments and society.