Research Associations and the Economy—An Opinion on the Methods of Co-operative Research

Groups of Industrial Members in association with the Ministry of Technology have set up Research Associations (R/Vs) to improve industrial efficiency. The R. A.’s carry out basic and applied research on a cooperative basis on research topics for which individual members may not have the necessary finance or effort. Because of their broadly based research programme they are able to give practical advice to members on day-to-day problems of manufacture or utilisation of equipment.

The R. A. system and variations of it are already being employed in India and reference is made in particular to effort in the field of Electrical Engineering. Close liaison between Industrial members and researchers in Cooperative Research Organisations is essential for optimum results in Cooperative Research.