Changing Government Policies for Public Research

This chapter sets out the issues involved in governing the science system and explains why the issue is no longer viewed simply in terms of financing basic research. It outlines the main trends exerting pressures for reform on the science system and reviews statistical trends in the funding and performance of public-sector R&ampD. It then describes key issues faced by policy makers and reviews some reforms being adopted by the OECD member governments to address them. Many of these reforms are new, and countries continue to experiment with new ways of governing the science system. Considerable evaluation will be needed before the effects of these changes on the science system can be determined. While recommendations for further reforms cannot be made, areas for future consideration are identified.

OECD Science, Technology and Industry Outlook 2002

Changing Government Policies for Public Research

From Financing Basic Research to Governing the Science System