This document provides a concise overview of current and historical interrelationships and patterns of national scientific and engineering resources. Major points of the report are: (1) research and development (R&D) expenditures in the U.S. are expected to reach $28.0 billion in 1972; (2) total R&D spending is estimated to rise 4.3% between 1971 and 1972; (3) R&D is expected to account for 2.5% of the estimated 1972 U.S. gross national product; (4) approximately 54% of the national R&D effort is supported with federal funds; (5) the industrial sector is the second largest source of R&D funds, providing 40% of the funds; (6) an estimated 519,000 scientists and engineers were employed in R&D during 1971; (7) more than one-third of the scientists and engineers in the U.S. are engaged in R&D; (8) nearly 40% of the national R&D effort is devoted to research; and (9) universities and colleges are expected to perform more than 55% of the national basic research effort during 1972. (HS)