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Nurturing Transformative U.S. Energy Research: Two Guiding Principles

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Solar panels at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory gather sunlight at the test facility
Solar panels at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory gather sunlight at the test facility, Feb. 27, 2008, in Golden, Colo. ConocoPhillips' announcement that it would put a renewable-energy research hub and corporate learning center in Louisville, Colo., will help to build Colorado as a leader in alternatives to fossil fuels.

Abstract

Energy research is critical to continuing advances in human productivity and welfare. In this Commentary, we raise for debate and discussion what in our view is a growing mis-control and mis-protection of U.S. energy research. This flawed approach originates in natural human tendencies exacerbated by an historical misunderstanding of research and development, science and technology, and the relationships between them. We outline the origin of the mis-control and mis-protection, and propose two guiding principles to mitigate them and instead nurture research: (i) focus on people, not projects; and (ii) culturally insulate research from development, but not science from technology. Our hope is to introduce these principles into the discourse now, so they can help guide policy changes in U.S. energy research and development that are currently being driven by powerful geopolitical winds.

Recommended citation

Narayanamurti, Venkatesh and Jeffrey Y. Tsao. "Nurturing Transformative U.S. Energy Research: Two Guiding Principles." MRS Energy & Sustainability, vol. 5. no. 10. (September 17, 2018): 1–8

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