Beyond the Endless Frontier: A 20th Century Model faces 21st Century Realities

Abstract

"Vannevar Bush was concerned with the issues of governance of science and sought to not only reformulate it but also put in place a structure that would make the US the leader in scientific innovation. It is interesting to note that many of the issues that sixty years ago vexed Bush apply today: the looming fears of losing innovation, competitiveness, and leadership. We propose that these issues indicate the need for a governance approach to the national security science and technology (S&T) capability base that sustains the potency of the PI-driven approach but adds a dimension that stimulates the shared benefits of planning and investments made across multiple government agencies.Vannevar Bush was concerned with the issues of governance of science and sought to not only reformulate it but also put in place a structure that would make the US the leader in scientific innovation. It is interesting to note that many of the issues that sixty years ago vexed Bush apply today: the looming fears of losing innovation, competitiveness, and leadership. We propose that these issues indicate the need for a governance approach to the national security science and technology (S&T) capability base that sustains the potency of the PI-driven approach but adds a dimension that stimulates the shared benefits of planning and investments made across multiple government agencies."