Date: Thu, 28 Apr 1994 23:58:37 -0400 (EDT)
From: ssj <ssj-AT-cnj.digex.net>
Subject: Re: recapitulation
To: technology-AT-world.std.com
Cc: technology-AT-world.std.com


 

On Wed, 27 Apr 1994, Malgosia Askanas wrote:

> 
> What is discovered is a function of how funds are allocated, which 
> research is encouraged/discouraged by research institutions, what
> resources are available to specific workers in the field.  Of those
> things that get discovered, the results that we actually see are
> a function of what is considered manufacturable, marketable and 
> profitable.  In other words, all this -- the specific course that
> S&T takes and that influences us -- is shaped by various kinds of
> politics.  Your own project, which involves a decision to put resources
> into a certain area and push the course of scientific/technological
> development in a specific direction, is a political project. 
> 

In commenting on the above I probably should tell you that I was
a research director for many years and am currently operating a
small, technically oriented, company.

If you substitute the word "developed" for "discovered" at the
start of the above paragraph, eg., " What is developed is a function
of ....", then it reads well to me.

What is discovered is a function of the dedication and creativity
of the discoverer.  Its lonely and apolitical in the world of
the discoverer.  A valuable discovery cannot be bought; it has
to be earned the long hard way.

On the other hand what is "developed" and brought to market in the
typical industrial R&D effort is all to often the result of personal 
interests within technical management and further loaded under the
yoke of budgetary restraints - you can read political here.

The global technical community churns up a great deal of dust and
debris trying to develop things.  It does precious little discovery.

SSJ