Social Sciences and Industrial Productivity

Abstract

BESIDES discussing the place of science in government and scientific man-power (see Nature of August 7, p. 199), the first annual report of the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy gives some account of the work of the committee set up to report to the Advisory Council regarding the directions in which a scientific approach is most likely to promote an increase in the national productivity. In an interim report submitted in September 1947, the committee concluded that current fundamental research in the physical and biological sciences was unlikely to have any material short-term effect in increasing productivity, whatever might emerge from its results in future. For short-term results the more effective application of scientific knowledge already available was likely to prove much more fruitful ; but for this an adequate supply of qualified technologists and engineers is essential. The committee recommended that steps should be taken immediately to ensure that this demand is met. It was also suggested that the type of approach used so successfully by the Services during the War and commonly described as ‘operational research' might also be very fruitful in yielding rapid results. Publication of a book on operational research was recommended and its preparation is in hand. The committee also suggested that it is important to try to establish scientifically whether the quantity and quality of the existing rations are likely to diminish the worker‘s potential outlook. Later, it strongly recommended the energetic pursuit of research on the nutritional consumption and physiological requirements of the main occupational classes in the United Kingdom, as well as obtaining relevant data from abroad, particularly from the United States and from the British Zone of Germany.