We will take industry to mean organizations organized for profit. This should be kept in mind when applying the remarks made here. The government sponsors research primarily for the benefit of its citizens and constituents. At times it is important to remember the distinction between citizens and constituents. We will illustrate this later on.
Research is performed in industry in order to continue to provide products and services.
It is important to note that research is often considered a product or service. The government may find it useful to sponsor research in industry in order to fulfill its mission of providing for the welfare of its citizens and constituents. We will adopt the view that some government-sponsored research in industry is necessary for one or more of the above missions. Once adopted, the details of the mission do not dominate the issues raised by the interrelationships between government and industry. Conflicts of interests are inherent in government-sponsored research.