Proceedings of a Conference on RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY We heirton, .9.1752 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office Foreword THIS "HIS VOLUME constitutes the Proceedings of the Conference on Research and Development and Its Impact on the Economy, sponsored by the National Science Foundation and held May 20, 1958, at the Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D. C. Attended by more than 400 economists, scientists, and administrators from industry, government, universities and other nonprofit organizations, the meeting explored the relationship between research and development and our economic vitality-two elements on which so great a dependence is placed for the future security of our nation. The Conference represents another step in the Foundation's program to fulfill its responsibility to study the character and volume of research and development and its impact upon industrial development and upon the general welfare. The hope implicit in the Conference was that the interplay of ideas would shed some light on the way in which research and development act as a factor in our economy. This record of the Proceedings may serve not only in furthering future efforts in this area but also as a reference work. The Conference was planned and organized by the Office of Special Studies, Dr. Jacob Perlman, Head. Miss Mary Robinson served as consultant for the Conference. The staff of the Office of Special Studies all rendered able and arduous assistance, particularly Mr. Kenneth Sanow, Mrs. Virginia Shapley, and Mr. Jack Baranson, who prepared source and information materials; and Mrs. Juliet Griffin, Mrs. Dorothy Harlin, and Miss Mary M. Boyden, who provided their organizational services. Mr. Fred Foulk, formerly of the National Association of Manufacturers Research Committee, also rendered expert assistance to the Conference staff. We are deeply indebted to our speakers, discussants and chairmen for making the Conference a success. We are also grateful for the cooperation and assistance of other organizations in planning the program. In addition to their skill and insight as session chairmen, Dr. Ralph J. Watkins, 410 7176 C5+ 1958 |