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SUMMARY OF MAJOR TRENDS 34 NATIONAL R&D: CHARACTER Total U.S. R&D expenditures in 1988 were more than $125 billion. Accounting for inflation, they have increased by about 400 percent since 1953. Basic research has increased sharply, from less than $3 billion (1988 dollars) in 1953 to more than $18 billion in 1989; as a result, its share of total R&D has risen from less than 10 percent to about 15 percent during the same period. Applied research has fluctuated between 20 percent and 25 percent; development has accounted for 65 percent to 70 percent of total R&D. Figure 2-1: U.S. R&D Expenditures by Type of Research and Development Figure 2-2: Distribution of R&D Expenditures by Type of Research and Development NOTE: Data series within the figures are not overlapped; top line represents total. Financial data are expressed in 1988 constant dollars to reflect real long-term growth trends. DEFINITION OF TERMS: R&D expenditures include current-fund expenditures for all research and development activities that are separately budgeted and accounted for. Basic Research is the systematic study where the primary aim of the investigator is directed toward fuller knowledge or understanding of the subject under study, rather than a practical or commercial application thereof. Applied Research is the systematic study where the primary aim of the investigator is directed toward gaining knowledge or understanding necessary for determining the means by which a recognized and specific need or commercial objective may be met. Development is the systematic use of the knowledge or understanding gained from research, directed toward the production of useful materials, devices, systems, or methods, including design and development of prototypes and processes. SOURCE: National Science Foundation, Division of Policy Research and Analysis. Database: CASPAR. Some of the data within this database are estimates, incorporated where there are discontinuities within data series or gaps in data collection. Primary data sources: National Science Foundation, Division of Science Resource Studies, Survey of Federal Funds for Research and Development; Survey of Federal Support to Universities, Colleges, and Non-profit Organizations, Survey of Scientific and Engineering Expenditures at Universities and Colleges; Survey of Industrial Research and Development.