July 1945. The devastation of World War II had not yet fully ceased, but preparations for a postwar world were already underway. At that time, at the request of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, scientist and administrator Vannevar Bush prepared a special report. Its title— Science, the Endless Frontier. Born at a historic moment, this document was not only the future guide for U.S. science and technology policy, but also the foundation stone for revolutionary thinking for the entire modern world.
The central message of the report was crystal clear: the main key to any nation’s sustainable progress and economic prosperity is investment in basic scientific research. Vannevar Bush told the U.S. government—that just as science helped increase the effectiveness of our weapons during war, in peacetime science can be the driving force behind public welfare, health, and industrial development. Bush’s statement became a historical truth; the United States established the National Science Foundation (NSF), and in the subsequent decades, through science-based research and innovation, became the world’s leading economy.
If we look back at the context of Bangladesh, we see that—even though various initiatives were taken for the development of science and technology after independence, a lack of continuity, planning, and investment has remained evident for a long time. Research infrastructure in universities is weak, communication between industry and academia is almost non-existent, and government allocation for research is very limited. Yet, scientific thinking and technology have played a major role in our advances in the agricultural revolution, the garments sector, and the information technology field. If we analyze these successes in a structured way, it becomes clear—if investments are made based on science, Bangladesh too can become an innovative and knowledge-based nation.
When Vannevar Bush said, “The accumulation of new knowledge is the capital of the future,” he meant that fundamental science—which at first glance is not aimed at any specific product—contains within it the seeds of future revolutions. For example, quantum mechanics, genetics, or artificial intelligence—all of these began through academic research, and later became the driving force of industry and the economy. The young people in Bangladesh today who are pursuing undergraduate studies in physics, chemistry, mathematics, or biology may bring about transformative change in this society in the coming decades—if we create the right environment for research for them today.
Another important aspect of Vannevar Bush’s writing was ‘the importance of independent research’. He emphasized that research should not be subject to any political or commercial interest. The nature of research should be inquisitive, independent, and based on fundamental questions. This element has not yet been clearly established in our country’s research structures. In many cases, research is conducted according to the needs of specific projects or donors, which deprives researchers of the opportunity to think independently. Unless this perspective changes, research will remain merely an administrative activity, and the true light of innovation will not be able to enter there.
‘Science, the Endless Frontier’ is not only an argument in favor of pursuing science, but also serves as a perfect lesson in social science. Because Bush demonstrated that science is not limited to the laboratory; it is deeply linked with policymaking, economics, education, and public health. A country’s sustainable development is only possible when science is considered the central pillar of society. This is particularly relevant for a developing country like Bangladesh, where every problem—environmental pollution, health crises, agricultural productivity, or the complexity of urbanization—requires scientific analysis and technology-driven solutions.
Looking at the world today, we see how countries like China, South Korea, and Israel have brought science and technology to the policy level and are progressing on a path of unprecedented development. China spends a significant portion of its GDP on research and development every year. Israel is one of the world’s leading startup nations, where new technologies are being created to solve every problem. These countries have put Vannevar Bush’s historic vision into practice—where research is not only the concern of scientists, but a long-term investment by state and society.
Even in Bangladesh, signs of some change are emerging. Innovation centers are being established in universities, students are participating in international Olympiads, and some initiatives are finding their way into international research journals. However, for this trend to mature fully, there is a need for political will, structural planning, and an attitude of accepting research as a national priority. As Bush said, “This work is not just for scientists; it should be the result of the collective efforts of leaders at all levels of the nation.”
The message of ‘Science, the Endless Frontier’ reminds us—science is not a luxury, but an urgent necessity. If we want to move forward into the future, if we want to reduce poverty in our society, improve the quality of healthcare, and build a knowledge-based economy, then we must place science and research at the center of national development—starting today. This is not just a matter of policy; it is a change in perspective—which will teach our youth to ask questions, encourage them to discover, and help them imagine—how to build a better society.
When Vannevar Bush said, “Science is an endless frontier,” he was not only talking about the skies or outer space. He meant that the reach of human imagination, perseverance in practice, and courage to question—together forge that scientific mindset, which can enlighten a nation. In today’s Bangladesh, spreading this light is a responsibility we all share.
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