Priority-Setting in U.S. Science Policies

The principles and institutional mechanisms utilized in setting priorities for public financing of research and development are crucial aspects of any country's research and innovation system. As an input to the development of its own strategies and positions, Vinnova has decided to commission in-depth studies of the prioritization mechanisms in the U.S., China and Japan and in the EU framework programs. Welcoming open discussions on issues relating to priority-setting and hoping that the studies may also be of interest to other institutions in Sweden and internationally.

This publication will focus on priority-setting in science policy in the United States. An attempt will be made to describe the U.S. system and to clarify whether prioritysetting in science policy plays a role in the overall successes of American science and competitiveness. Are there any crucial factors in priority-setting which have a major impact on the quality of science and for innovation and competitiveness?

The American science system is a large and complex structure with a loose coordination of efforts. Many levels of government, many units within each level, and many stakeholders – both as performers and as users – are involved in decision-making at different levels and many give input to the process of priority-setting.

See also the other publications about priority-setting:

• "Priority-setting in the European Research Framework Programmes" (Vinnova Report/Analysis VA 2009:17)
• "Reaearch Priorities and Priority-setting in China" (Vinnova Report/Analysis VA 2009:21)
• "Priority-setting in Japanese Research and Innovation Policy" (Vinnova Report/Report/Analysis VA 2009:23).