The Disadvantages of Scientific Ignorance

A man's intellectual output is bought for a definite period. All his inventions and ideas, even if developed outside the works, belong to the firm. Research workers are taken on with contracts definitely terminating at 30 or 40 years of age. The scientific ignorance of business executives cuts both ways. It prevents the scientist being properly appreciated or rewarded. While a large firm gains in funds available for research, it loses by corresponding bureaucracy.