ABSTRACT
The total amount a country spends on energy research and development (R&D), the distribution of these funds among various fields and projects, and the proportion of R&D costs borne by the government are all major aspects of a national energy R&D policy. Unfortunately, this approach to uncovering energy R&D policy is not free of difficulties. Moreover, to anticipate future R&D expenditures on the basis of public pronouncements by the President, other government officials, and industry spokesmen is hazardous given the unpredictability of the American economy and political system. Funding by the government and the private sector of energy R&D is examined to determine how major energy R&D policy decisions have been resolved in the past, are now being resolved, and are likely to be resolved in the future. Despite the growing role of joint government-industry projects and cooperative industry-wide ventures, independent firm efforts still account for most privately funded R&D in the energy field.
