IP: NRC CALLS FOR NEW BUDGETING PROCESS FOR R&D

[Dave Farber <farber@central.cis.upenn.edu>]

NRC CALLS FOR NEW BUDGETING PROCESS FOR R&D
The National Research Council released a report Nov. 29 calling for a single
budget that combines all sources of federal funding for science and
technology projects, saying such a change is necessary if the U.S. is to
remain the world leader in R&D.  "Such a process would allow trade-offs to
be made across agencies, programs, and research institutions, freeing funds
for new initiatives by reducing or ending projects that have become a lower
priority or for which there are better alternatives," says the report.  For
starters, NRC calles for changes in accounting procedures:  "Almost half (of
the annual federal R&D budget) is spent on activities -- such as
establishing production lines and developing operational systems for new
aircraft and weapons systems -- that do not involve the creation of new
knowledge or technologies."  Eliminating funding for these activities would
free up $35- to $40-billion a year for R&D.  (BNA Daily Environment Report
30 Nov 95 A3)