The first World War brought about changes not only with regards to the
strategic and technological ways to fight battles, but deeply transformed
the way in which soldiers utilized scientific competences, both in terms of
the function and importance of applied sciences, as well as the scientist’s
perception of himself, his profession and his specific discipline. Some
scientists’ direct involvement in military research encouraged them to begin
a reflection on research policy in Italy, the institutional outcomes of which
became noticeable in the 1920s. The essay examines the figures of Mauro
Picone, Antonio Garbasso, Vito Volterra and Guglielmo Marconi.
Keywords: science, technology, first World War, research policy, Italy.