This paper presents a new product concept that the InIST of the CNRS is developing in order to promote a network management approach to science policy decision-making. This concept is that of a Scientific and Technological Information Bank (STIB). STIBs are being designed for research programme managers in both science and technology. We first describe the information needs of these programme managers in the evaluation exercises they are obliged to carry out. We then look at the technical problems that have to be overcome when buildings STIBs. Finally, we illustrate the usefulness of the STIB concept by considering the example of a network management problem in the field of polymer science