Science and Technology Policies and Priorities: A Comparative Analysis

This article compares the science and technology strategies and priorities of France, Germany, Japan, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. An analysis is given of similarities and differences, historical settings, research and development allocations, coordinating mechanisms, outputs, dissatisfactions, and recent changes. Also presented are data on performers and funding sources, the character and objectives of work, the industries involved, employment of scientists and engineers, and degrees by field. This comparison provides a way of understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different strategies and an opportunity for one country to learn from the others.