Science policy of the state: dirigismе or liberalism

Abstract

The two approaches to science policy – the British-American and European (German, French) – are analyzed. They present liberal model, proposed by Adam Smith (no state support for research) and dirigisme model, proposed by Francis Bacon (state participation in funding science to minimize the shortcomings of a market economy, the establishment of science as public good). State funding guarantees stability and the ability to engage in basic research, which in decades will find its application in the daily lives of citizens. On the other hand, dependence on the state forces scientists to adhere to pro-state positions, to support the activities of public authorities. The financing the research and development (R&D) by the private sector makes it possible to concentrate significant resources to achieve practical results in a short time: to bring the product into mass production, to conquer new markets, and so on. At the same time, business is not interested in investing in those areas of science that cannot generate profit, but are important for social development (humanities) and the deepening of knowledge about the physical world. According to the performance of research institutions, each approach to the state's scientific policy, although never fully followed, has its advantages and disadvantages. So science policy should be the result of a balance between national context and long-term priorities of state development.