Investments in scientific research and technological development (R&D) are increasing again in the United States of America. After the stagnation and the following recession in 2009 and 2010 - the black years of the financial and economic crisis - the United States regain their trust in scientific knowledge and technological innovation. According to a recent report by the National Science Foundation, in 2011 the US invested $428.2 billion in R&D: over 20 billion more than 2010, with a net 2.8% increase after inflation, higher than the GDP increase by 1.8%.