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NATIONAL R&D EXPENDITURES 48 NATIONAL BASIC RESEARCH: PERFORMERS Academic institutions have assumed a prominent role in the conduct of the nation's basic research, increasing their over- all share of basic research expenditures from 25 percent in 1953 to 50 percent by the early-1970s; after declining to 45- percent share in the late 1970s, academic institutions resumed 50-percent share by the late 1980s. By 1988, total U.S. basic research expenditures had risen to over $18 billion. Figure 2-19: U.S. Basic Research Expenditures by Performer Figure 2-20: Distribution of U.S. Basic Research Expenditures by Performer NOTE: Data series within the figures are not overlapped; top line represents total. Financial data are expressed in 1988 constant dollars to reflect real long-term growth trends. DEFINITION OF TERMS: Basic research is a systematic study where the primary aim of the investigator is directed toward fuller knowledge or understanding of the subject under study, rather than a practical or commercial application thereof. Research expenditures include current-fund expenditures for all research activities that are separately budgeted and accounted for. Academic sector consists of public and private institutions of higher education, including 185 doctoral, 1,224 comprehensive, and 1,388 2-year institutions; federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) administered by universities are reported under the Other category. Industry sector consists of both manufacturing and non-manufacturing companies; FFRDCs administered by industry are reported in this category. Federal sector consists of all agencies of the federal government. Other sector consists of public and private and non-profit organizations that are involved in performing R&D, including FFRDCs administered by non-profit organizations. SOURCE: National Science Foundation, Division of Policy Research and Analysis. Database: CASPAR. Some of the data within this database are estimates, incorporated where there are discontinuities within data series or gaps in data collection. Primary data sources: National Science Foundation, Division of Science Resource Studies, Survey of Federal Funds for Research and Development; Survey of Federal Support to Universities, Colleges, and Non-profit Organizations; Survey of Scientific and Engineering Expenditures at Universities and Colleges; Survey of Industrial Research and Development.
