Navigating the Maze

Introduction

What is science and technology policy?

Science and technology policy is a dual-use phrase. It refers to the corpus of science and technology that inform public and private policies across multiple arenas. It also denotes the body of policies that affect the conduct of science, the development of technologies, the innovations that make their way into the marketplace of ideas and products and the societal impacts that ensue.

Now, conjure up an image of intersecting freeways, boulevards and streets, some with barriers and quick detours, some with high-speed lanes, each teeming with vehicles of different types and models traveling in different directions—all of it set among hills, ravines, and the occasional park. The picture fairly ...