Universities and colleges perform the majority of basic research in the United States, while industry performs the majority of applied R&D.
Why is this indicator important?
The innovation enterprise in the United States includes R&D performed in many sectors, each contributing to the national effort.
Understanding how the S&E roles of academia, government and industry help to identify complementarities and gaps in the national S&E effort.
Key Observations
The growth of basic research performed by the academic sector has slowed in recent years, while the level of applied research performed by that sector is estimated to be growing.
There is evidence for some recovery in industrial performance of applied research and development after a brief downturn around 2000.
Related Discussion
Scientists and engineers working for non-profit organizations and federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) also represent important performers of R&D in the United States.
FFRDCs grew at the rapid rate between 2000 and 2003, although that rate has slowed in recent years (SEI 2008
Appendix Tables 4-10,
4-14, and
4-16).