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A weakness in diffusion: US technology and science policy after World War II

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  • Alic, John A.

Abstract

The post-war shift in US technology and science policies has been somewhat misunderstood. It was not only a shift toward support for research, but a shift away from support for diffusion. Pre-war policies centered on agriculture. They sought to foster the spread of improved farming practices in order to raise living standards at a time of widespread rural poverty. Post-war research policies, motivated by national security, relied on military procurement to drive diffusion. Radically different objectives have obscured the overall nature of the policy shift. Today, the consequences of the US neglect of diffusion are most evident in health care, with government spending huge sums on research while disregarding service delivery.

Suggested Citation

  • Alic, John A., 2008. "A weakness in diffusion: US technology and science policy after World War II," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 30(1), pages 17-29.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:30:y:2008:i:1:p:17-29
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2007.10.005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Huffman, Wallace E. & Evenson, Robert E., 1993. "Science for Agriculture: A Long Term Perspective," Staff General Research Papers Archive 10997, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
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    2. Rolfstam, Max & Phillips, Wendy & Bakker, Elmer, 2009. "Public Procurement of Innovation Diffusion: Exploring the Role of Institutions and Institutional Coordination," Papers in Innovation Studies 2009/7, Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research.
    3. Jane Fox, Sarah, 2022. "Drones: Foreseeing a 'risky' business?Policing the challenge that flies above," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    4. Dario Guarascio & Mario Pianta, 2025. "Digital technologies: civilian vs. military trajectories," LEM Papers Series 2025/08, Laboratory of Economics and Management (LEM), Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy.
    5. Coccia, Mario, 2015. "General sources of general purpose technologies in complex societies: Theory of global leadership-driven innovation, warfare and human development," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 199-226.
    6. Motoyama, Yasuyuki, 2014. "Long-term collaboration between university and industry: A case study of nanotechnology development in Japan," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 36(C), pages 39-51.
    7. Meili, Rahel & Stucki, Tobias, 2023. "Money matters: The role of money as a regional and corporate financial resource for circular economy transition at firm-level," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(10).

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