To increase the effectiveness of research done within the various depart- 

 ments and laboratories of Government a number of important changes in 

 existing practices are desirable. 



1. The most important single factor in scientific and technical work 

 is the quality of personnel employed. Separate and distinct procedures 

 for recruiting and classifying scientific personnel are warranted bv the 

 exacting technical requirements in these services. No one change from 

 current practice would do more to improve the quality of research con- 

 ducted by the Government than to establish a separate branch of the 

 Civil Service for scientific and technical positions. 



2. A general up-grading of positions and salaries in the scientific 

 services of Go\ernment, accompanied bv a careful selection of new 

 talent, would be a major contribution to improvement of the quality of 

 research conducted by the Government. 



3. Research programs of Government should be assured in terms of 

 their long-run objectives. Appropriations bv Congress to the principal 

 Government scientific departments should be made in lump sums for 

 broad programs of research extending over several years. Appropriations 

 within the assured sum might then be made available as at present in 

 the annual budget. 



4. A permanent science advisory board should be created to consult 

 with Government agencies and to advise the executi\e and legislative 

 branches of Government as to the policies and budgets of Government 

 agencies engaged in scientific research. 



Environmental Aids to Intlustrial Research 



The structure of Federal taxation and the operation of the patent system 

 have an important impact on the research and development policies of indus- 

 try. In designing postwar taxes, consideration should be given to increasing 

 incentives to industrial research. The proper treatment of research costs for 

 tax purposes should receive clear legislative definition. Specific recommenda 

 tions on this point are included in the main body of the report. 



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