This essential book examines the history, trends and institutional nature of federal investments in research and development (R&D) in the United States. Esteemed expert in the field, Albert N. Link charts unexplored topics and issues associated with the role of public sector R&D in influencing economic growth. Rich in econometric data, this book traces the history of federal R&D investments. Chapters outline how the institutional nature of federal R&D investments includes the research activity of Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, individual national laboratories, mission-driven government agencies, and private-sector firms with research projects funded through the Small Business Innovation Research program. Link emphasizes the diversity of principal investigators involved in federally funded R&D endeavors, as well as the influence of guidance given to federal R&D research by public-sector project managers. Providing a roadmap for future academic and policy research on federal investments in R&D, this book is invaluable to students and scholars of innovation and technology, economics, knowledge management, public policy, and public administration. Its practical insights are beneficial to public-sector policy officials.