Computer Quote by Maurice Wilkes
![“Much of the early engineering development of digital computers was done in universities. A few years ago, the view was commonly expressed that universities had played their part in computer design, and that the matter could now safely be left to industry. [...] Apart from the obvious functions of…” quote by Maurice Wilkes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cd0/maurice-wilkes-46458_computer_much-of-the-early-engineering-developmen_2930501.jpg)
“Much of the early engineering development of digital computers was done in universities. A few years ago, the view was commonly expressed that universities had played their part in computer design, and that the matter could now safely be left to industry. [...] Apart from the obvious functions of keeping in the public domain material that might otherwise be hidden, universities can make a special contribution by reason of their freedom from commercial considerations, including freedom from the need to follow the fashion.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: University Computing Conference, 1965
Universities, free from market pressure, can explore foundational research and keep knowledge public.
In simple terms: Academia protects open, long‑term innovation.
Key Takeaway
Support independent research.
Themes
freedom
innovation
public domain
Mood
thoughtful
optimistic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- startup incubators
- open‑source projects
- policy making
Key Concepts
academic freedom
technology policy
Questions to Reflect On
- Why is academic independence vital?
- How can industry and academia collaborate effectively?
![“In the judgment of design engineers, the ordinary means of communicating with a computer are entirely inadequate. [...] Graphical communication in some form or other is of vital importance in engineering as that subject is now conducted; we must either provide the capability in our computer…” quote by Maurice Wilkes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b5a/maurice-wilkes-46458_capability_in-the-judgment-of-design-engineers-the_237746.jpg)
