R&D in the USA: Funding, structure and results

Abstract

The article gives an estimation of scientific and technological potential in the USA in the end of second decade of 21 Century. The article analyzes the source-performer matrix of R&D and achieved results in research and innovations. The author considers positions of the USA in world science by absolute volumes as well as by share of domestic GDP. The article demonstrates the role of most important sectors of R&D (government laboratories, industry, universities, non-profit organizations, state and local authorities) by sources and performance. The role of universities is disclosed as a key sector of basic research. Also the role of industry is shown as leading producer of applied research and innovations. It emphasized also the significance of non-profit research organizations for social and humanitarian studies. A special attention is paid to the role of government in development of American science. The author reviews the significance of legislation in developing R&D in the USA, the role of government regulation in this sphere, the place of government laboratories in scientific process. Also the article describes the effectiveness of American R&D. It is resulted in different indicators, including a number of Nobel prizes, patents, citation indices, positions in various technologies.