The science of science policy [electronic resource] : a federal research roadmap : report on the science of science policy to the Subcommittee on Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences, Committee on Science, National Science and Technology Council, Office of Science and Technology Policy

This document, "The Science of Science Policy: A Federal Research Roadmap," was developed in response to a challenge for a new "science of science policy" that will begin to address the need for better scientific theories and analytical tools for improving our understanding of the efficacy and impact of science and technology policy decisions. It was prepared by an Interagency Task Group (ITG) commissioned by the National Science and Technology Council's (NSTC) Subcommittee on Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE). This Roadmap represents the first organized description of the emergent field of the Science of Science Policy, outlining scientific theories and defining terms that encompass efforts in the field thus far. It highlights the potential for greatly increasing the knowledge base and providing needed insights to improve the data, tools and methods that would enable a more rigorous and quantitative basis for science and technology policy. The Roadmap identifies ten major science questions grouped into three broad themes: Understanding Science and Innovation; Investing in Science and Innovation; and Using the Science of Science Policy to Address National Priorities. Agencies and departments across the Federal Government face similar challenges when setting scientific priorities and assessing the effectiveness of current and planned investments. By working together to address these themes and questions, share best practices and collaborate on fundamental principles, we will greatly enhance our ability to maximize our critical investments in science and technology.