‘Phases’ or ‘paradigms’ of science policy?

The work of several authors on the evolution and periodisation of science policy in different countries is analysed. Despite some national variations, there is a high degree of congruence on the core of views and instruments used. To describe the periods we propose the concept of a ‘paradigm of science policy’. It is suggested that the existence of these international paradigms arises from the internationalisation of science policy, in which process intergovernmental bodies have been playing a key role.