environment, and natural resources — grew by 36 percent in 

 current dollars (11 percent in constant dollars) between fiscal 

 years 1970-74. Obligations for applied research in these 

 "civilian" areas increased by 64 percent in current dollars (34 

 percent in constant dollars) over the period, while outlays for 

 development rose by 72 percent in current dollars (40 percent 

 in constant dollars). ^ 



4. Federal obligations for basic research in the defense and space 

 areas increased by 3 percent and 14 percent, respectively, in 

 current dollars between fiscal years 1970-74, while declining 

 by 14 percent and 7 percent, respectively, in constant dollars. 

 Outlays for applied research in defense-related areas rose by 

 16 percent'in current dollars over the period, but declined by 5 

 percent in constant dollars. Obligations for applied research 

 in the space area decreased by 40 percent in current dollars 

 and 51 percent in constant dollars.^ ■^ 



5. Federal obligations for "untargeted" basic research — re- 

 search that is not linked with a specific problem area — grew 

 by 20 percent in current dollars between fiscal years 1970-74, 

 while declining by 2 percent in constant dollars. Obligations 

 in this area, which are aimed at strengthening the general 

 base of scientific knowledge, dropped from 13 percent to 10 

 percent of total Federal obligations for civilian R&D.^ 



These data indicate the complexity of recent shifts in the level and 

 direction of the Nation's research effort. Certain trends, however, 

 emerge clearly. 



• The level of basic research activity in the Nation declined 

 significantly between 1970-74, as measured in constant 

 dollars. 



• National expenditures for applied research decreased also, 

 but to a lesser extent than for basic research. 



• Federal obligations for both basic and applied research 

 expanded in civilian areas as a whole, increasing at an annual 

 rate of about 3 percent in constant dollars between 1970-74. 



3 Special analysis prepared from An Analysis of Federal R&D Funding by Function, 

 National Science Foundation, NSF 74-313, U.S. Government Printing Office, 

 Washington, D.C., 1974. 



*• The general purpose research conducted as part of the overall R&D efforts in 

 defense and space contributed in significant ways to scientific knowledge and 

 technological capability relevant to "civilian" areas, as illustrated in earlier chapters of 

 this report. To that extent, cutbacks in defense and space research represent a reduction 

 in efforts applicable to some of the problems now facing the Nation. 



52 



