DarkSteven
Posts: 28072
Joined: 5/2/2008 Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: willbeurdaddy FR Thanks for the link. It is an interesting paper, fairly typical of studies done in many areas of science and technology, but reflective of current economic realities. I think it has a mixed audience...decision makers in the industry, and high school students interested in majoring in Chemistry and wondering what the future looks like. Maybe you're right. I still believe that the message was diluted by the broadening of the audience. Your explanation sounds as plausible as any. quote:
For me, the most important aspects of it in the context of this board is the recognition that the model of large internal R&D departments are not likely to be a source of "disruptive innovation"...significant advances and discoveries, rather than the incremental refinements to target audiences. The model of the future is partnership between the giants and the entrepeneurs. While it makes a plea for R&D tax credits and other Federal inputs into the market, there isnt much of a case made for continuing the social engineering through the tax code. I agree with your basic stance here, and have to say that it's refreshing to see a blueprint for the future that consists of something other than government subsidies. Hell, back in 1980 I remember some hydrogen energy proponents pushing for government funding for hydrogen energy. quote:
The importation of foreign talent isnt all that explosive to me. Its essentially a "trickle down" theory of talent. If you are unable to attract domestic talent immediately, then bring in innovators from the "outside" in the hope that they generate new ideas that in turn generate jobs that in turn generate interest on the part of young domestic talent. We disagree here. If it's true that the unemployment rate among chemists is high, then it seems to me that we have an obligation to them first. Innovators from other countries are liable to be less able to navigate the US system than the homegrowns, especially those with industry experience and contacts. quote:
Read in the context of the current environment, moreover, demonization of big business, big pharma, the profit motive are antithetical to the chemical industry as it is to all industry. Government needs to get out of the way more than it needs to provide direct support. While I agree with you generally speaking, I think that the SBIR award system has produced a lot of technological innovation for a relatively small investment. Speaking of which, I'd like your opinion - does a 15% award rate for both SBIR Phase I and II sound way high to you?
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