That's an important question. Consider the example of nuclear energy in Canada. This goes back a ways. Nuclear energy technologies were developed by the NRC in the late 1940s. This led to the creation of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited in 1952. Today, AECL posts sales of about $5 billion or $6 billion a year, the bulk of which are made in Canada. A great many Canadian companies are developing the nuclear sector. This technology stems from research done by the NRC during the 1940s and 1950s. Today, AECL continues to conduct research activities at its Chalk River facility in Ontario. This is one example of an industrial sector that started out with nothing, but today, is one of Canada's top performers. I could give you other similar examples as well.
On May 6th, 2008. See this statement in context.