Study finds public science is pillar of industry.

Reports that a study prepared for the US National Science Foundation found strong evidence that publicly financed scientific research plays an important role in the breakthroughs of industrial innovation. Findings of the study; Advocates of federal spending on scientific research as seizing upon the study to bolster their position; Figures on private spending for research, and sources of scientific papers cited on US industrial patents. INSET: Research: Public vs. private..