Innovation policies for the 21st century

" ... The National Research Council's Board on Science, Technology, and Economic Policy (STEP) has embarked on a study of selected foreign innovation programs in comparison with major U.S. programs. As such, the premise of this study is not to consider the possibility of a pure laissez-faire approach to fostering innovation, but rather to recognize the importance of targeted government promotional policies relative to innovation. The analysis, carried out under the direction of an ad hoc committee, is to include a review of the goals, concept, structure, operation, funding levels, and evaluation of foreign programs designed to advance the innovation capacity of national economies and enhance their international competitiveness."--Pref.