Beyond Sputnik: U.S. Science Policy in the Twenty-First Century

A Note on the Text

A Note on the Text The text is organized into four sections, of five chapters each. The first section gives the reader a general overview of what science policy is, how U.S. science policy originated , the processes and players involved in its formation, the rationale for U.S. science policy, and the means used by the government to evaluate the effectiveness of its scientific programs. Complementing this overview, the second section aims to identify the partners that work with the federal government to conduct science and therefore who have a major stake in the development of policy on science. These include universities, federal laboratories, industry, the states, and the general public. In particular, we intend this section to address the respective roles of these various interests, explaining their unique roles both in the conduct of science and in science policy. The third section takes on some of the major science policy issues that have been a part of the fabric of science policy, that still face the nation today, and that will continue to be of importance as we move forward. Finally, the fourth section looks toward the future and highlights some of the issues that will be relevant in an era of increasing globalization. The chapters in the second half of the book point to areas in which we believe the nation’s scientists and policymakers must be engaged to insure the continued advancement of scientific research. In each chapter, the reader will find at least one policy discussion box. The point of these is to not only to provide information on a particular issue, but also to raise questions and stimulate discussion. Policy is often debated and implemented in a context of differences of opinion and conflicting views. The questions raised by each side are often grounded in the values and perspectives they bring to the discussion. Policy outcomes many times result from compromises that balance multiple views. The discussion boxes highlight major questions in science policy and conflicts that have been and continue to be central to science policy. With the questions discussed in these boxes we hope to push the reader to think about the decisions that policymakers are forced to make on science policy. Finally, to the extent that the text needs further explanation , we have included additional information in the notes for each chapter. In these notes we also provide a comprehensive listing of references for readers who are interested in further discussion of an issue we touch upon in the text. ...