Abstract
Abstract
Additive manufacturing is a rapidly growing field of research as well as an emerging technology. This article examines the evolution of the field with a critical eye toward determining the roles of U.S.-based funders (particularly the National Science Foundation, private entrepreneurs and inventors, universities, and others) in its development and commercialization. The goal was to discover what lessons could be learned about identifying, nurturing, and promoting emerging science and engineering at government institutions that have mandates related to advancing public good. The analysis revealed that both government funding to academia and industrial researchers were instrumental in the origin and evolution of the field, with industry often taking the lead in pushing frontiers. Three key lessons emerged for federal research and development (R&D) funding agencies are as follows: (1) provide focused and consistent funding over long timeframes; (2) support R&D, with a focus on aiding the transition of research from invention to proof of concept; and (3) bolster the ecosystem surrounding R&D.
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