Research and Innovation Policy
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Research and innovation policy in the USA is determined on both the state and federal levels. At the federal level, the Office of Science and Technology Policy serves as an advisory board to the President of the United States on issues of science, research and development. The White House acts as the executive branch and can help with policy guidance or implementation; however, typically the President does not make policies alone.
Other governmental committees, such as
- the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
- the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation,
- the Congressional Research Service
advise Congress. In addition to these governmental structures, Congress also hears advice from nongovernmental organizations, like
- the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine,
- the American Association for the Advancement of Science,
- the American Chemical Society.
Congress is the legislative arm of the U.S. government, and is the primary body that creates individual research and innovation policies.
Together, the President and Congress determine the federal budget, including funds allotted for research and development. On the state level, contributions to research and development vary. A snapshot of this variety can be seen in this 2015 report on R&D spending by state.
In addition to governmental funding and professional organizations, various corporations contribute large amounts of money to research and development.
For information on current developments in science policy in the US and Germany, check the DWIH NY newsfeed, follow us on Twitter or meet thought leaders and policymakers at our events.