Closing the Gap between R&D and Application in Academe to Better Support Government and Industry,

To successfully accomplish the goals implicit in defense research and development, RD, the interrelationship of Government, Industry, and Academe deserves increased attention. While the relationship between Government and Industry has been firmly established, it is in the Academic arena that a better clarity of direction regarding the pursuit of research and development is needed. The lag between research and development and applications is greater in education than in almost any other field. This is particularly unfortunate at a time of a technological resurgence. Perhaps this vacuum can best be examined by looking at the changing trends in education. Until most recently the emphasis on scientific training was not a major priority in the secondary schools and universities. Only recently has attention been drawn to the increasing technological advances and shortage of qualified personnel. With the assistance of funds from the Government, Industry, and Private Foundations like the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and others an emphasis on scientific training has taken on a new emphasis. Author