Some characteristic aspects of science policy in the federal republic of Germany

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In the Federal Republic of Germany, as in nearly all countries, science policy is increasingly oriented along the planning of science and research, including the systematic establishment of research priorities, and enquiry into the theoretical and methodological foundations of research planning. The most distinguishing characteristic of science policy in the Federal Republic of Germany, however, is the fact that the influence exerted by industry and the state on the planning of research is conspicuously weak compared to other countries. After a brief characterisation of research policy in Germany the author comes to the conclusion that it is not government R & D expenditure which is strikingly small, but the extent to which the government assumes direct political responsibility for research, and demands the coordination of the fragmented responsibilities in research policy and research planning in the Federal Republic. The steps taken so far in this direction will, however, have far-reaching consequences, in particular, a differentation between research and teaching. Furthermore, the author is doubtful whether the political power of government and parliament in the Federal Republic of Germany will suffice to take full advantage of enlarged competences in research policy.