Science and government

Abstract

The Second World War marked a critical threshold in the relationship between Science and Government, leading to the elaboration of new science policy mechanisms. The postwar years saw a parallel strengthening of the links between science and industry. The consequent complication of the science- society relationship rendered outmoded prevailing policy-making models, already vitiated by sectoral division of responsibilities and “short-termism.” The need today is for policy making that takes into account the views of many interest groups, with government arriving at decisions through a process of conciliation and synthesis. A parallel requirement is to create new instruments to aid decision making and to extend scientific literacy. The question cannot, however, be viewed in solely national terms: Many national problems have global ramifications, and the scientific and technological gap between the industrial and the developing world continues to widen. Unesco is endeavouring through the promotion of international cooperation to address these problems. Nationally and internationally, the aim should be achieve a greater “scientification” of the decision-making process and an expansion of the advisory framework consistent with a recognition of the complexity of science policy issues and of the need for holistic approaches to their solution.