The US government sometimes funds research in private companies. But there has been disagreement about the type of research that should receive public money. A consensus may be beginning to emerge.

With states making more substantive decisions in technically complex policy areas, the capacity of state legislatures to gather and use technical information and analysis is crucial. Applying a “market” metaphor, the article examines the demand for and the supply of technical information and analysis in state legislatures. The demand among legislators and staff is widespread and increasing, and the supply is varied in origin, importance, and quality. Reliance on sources external to the legislature—usually perceived as biased—is related to a lack of professionalization in legislatures, although the level of satisfaction in the available technical information and analysis is not. Identifiable barriers on both the demand side and the supply side prevent better use of technical information and analysis. There are ways to strengthen the relationship between state legislatures and a broad array of sources, as well as to educate the legislative consumer of technical information and analysis.

When Republicans this year vehemently opposed the Clinton administration's high-profile RD partnerships with the private sector, many on Capitol Hill were shocked; Pres Bush first endorsed federal cost-shared investments in private firms to help create technology. Branscomb argues that the nation needs a multifaceted bipartisan policy to promote innovation.

This conference explores ones of the several paths to development, a path in which scientific institutions play a significant role. In order to gain some insight into the importance of science in the development process, whether in highly industrialized societies or in those that are still struggling, it may be useful to explore some examples. Let us begin with two technical giants: the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.

State legislatures need better access to scientific and technological expertise to make more informed decisions in the face of rapid and dramatic technological change. Ways to give state legislatures access to better information, including state universities, are discussed.