Government R&D expenditures and US technology advancement in the aerospace industry: a case study

Traditionally, the United States has not set a specific national technology policy or plan like those seen in many other nations. However, the US Government spends large amounts of money on research and development (R&D) through such agencies as Department of Defense (DoD) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This case study investigates the relationship between defense and space R&D expenditures and national technology advancement in the aerospace industry. The lag between R&D expenditures and technology advancement is also examined and modeled.