@article{191dcd53e81e46fd9ea3cc7f212ec227,
title = "Mathematics, computer development, and science policy debates after World War II",
abstract = "This study focuses on the work of three mathematicians who collaborated on post-World War II projects. Specifically, the article examines connections between science policy debates and how practices of early computer developers were affected. Debate topics included ownership of technologies developed in private industry and at universities with public funding. Computer developers found solutions to the issues debated, ultimately forming the Association for Computing Machinery.",
author = "Bernadette Longo",
note = "Funding Information: In the intervening years between the end of WWII and 1950, however, federal agencies had stepped into the vacuum left by this ongoing policy debate and maneuvering. In the face of heightened security threats from the Soviet Union and North Korea, research funding from the ONR, the Atomic Energy Commission, and the Department of Defense accounted for the vast majority of {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}mission-oriented basic research.{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}27 By 1949, for example, the ONR spent $29 million per year to fund 1,200 projects at more than 200 universities employing over 5,000 researchers.9 Rees, who headed the ONR Mathematical Branch, commented, {\textquoteleft}{\textquoteleft}[U]ntil a National Science Foundation was established, ONR had a special obligation to provide for the balanced support and growth of mathematical research in the United States.{\textquoteright}{\textquoteright}9 Once it was in operation, NSF funding accounted for approximately 1 percent of national support for basic research. The model of research support through federal agencies for specific mission-oriented projects developed between 1945 and 1950, and continued as the predominant model of science for years to come. Within the NSF, there was no mandate to distribute research funds equitably by geographic region, nor was there mention of support for the social sciences, both points advocated by Kilgore supporters. The NSF governing board was made up of people with scientific backgrounds and patent rights were to be awarded to private firms doing research with public funds, both points advocated in the Bush model. Clearly, the Bush model of science policy and private enterprise was instantiated in the charter of the NSF.",
year = "2008",
doi = "10.1109/MAHC.2008.50",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "30",
pages = "64--72",
journal = "IEEE Annals of the History of Computing",
issn = "1058-6180",
publisher = "IEEE Computer Society",
number = "3",
}