Funding, however, is the least important aspect of the problem. Of greater consequence is the question of how to do away with the overbearing bureaucracy. To introduce radical changes too suddenly would cause chaos. Under such conditions, we would have to entertain the prospect that mediocre elements would benefit from the admixture to the detriment of the qualified. Unfortunately, there is no model for reform that can be applied to all research and development institutions in order to stimulate them into action.
Every case has to be given careful individual study.
However, we do have some important experiences we can draw on. In East Germany, for example, the research and development establishment stagnated for decades under the communist system. Having lost all justification for its perpetuation, the Academy of Scientific Research was dismantled and the scientific community was reorganised into scientific associations, as was the case in Western Germany, Great Britain and many other nations. We do not necessarily have to follow this model. However, we must summon the necessary courage to introduce essential reforms, even if that requires major surgery entailing a thorough restructuring of this sector.