Priming the Vacuum Electronics Industry for Continued Prosperity in the 21st Century

The term "priming" in nonlinear dynamics refers to the phenomenon where the desired end state of a multi-valued system is achieved through the proper control of the initial conditions. When applied to the vacuum electronics industry the desired end state is clear: the continued prosperity and relevance of the community in the 21st century. This paper discusses how this goal can be realized through the control of the five key industry state variables; people, technology, infrastructure, products and investment. As discussed, significant progress is being made on the first four of these variables. The fifth factor however, investment, continues to be problematic, especially with regard to government support of vacuum electronics science and technology