Comments on “U. S. science in an international perspective”

International data show that the scientific development of the United States is neither better nor worse than expected for its size and industry. Its position is, however, deteriorating rapidly. The postwar expansion in federal funding of research seems to be a response to continued exponential growth rather than a cause. The science indicators volumes, all criticism notwithstanding, are rapidly provoking new understanding of these questions of scientific and technological change.