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Top research men often fear regimentation in industry. An even bigger problem is that scientists who get limited freedom to do original work often are not creative enough to use the opportunity. Research directors also argue that young U.S. scientists lack the dedication and driving intellectual curiosity of their forebears. Says RCA's 41-year-old Dr. Ewing: "For some reason, really creative ideas come only from those under 40. Perhaps adversity and unsureness compel creativity."
Somehow, the U.S. must increase its creativity. The nation, which has increased its energy consumption 50-fold since Jefferson's day, will need 90% more power capacity by 1965; in that decade, say experts, fossil fuels will be so depleted that the nation must have competitively priced nuclear power. To feed and clothe 193 million population by 1975, U.S. farms will have to boost output. Spiraling metals consumption will intensify the search for new ore deposits and new ways to extract metals from clay and sea water. To meet 1965's demand for 50% more goods and services with only 10% more manpower, automation will have to move into industry's front line. Despite its seven-league strides into the future, science has yet to overcome scores of existing problems, from the nation's $10 billion annual loss from rust and rot to the $2 billion yearly road-repair bill.
Almost no leader of science or industry doubts that the U.S. can and will develop the knowledge to meet the challenge through continued research.