Science and technology policy is widely recognized as a critically important sphere of state activity. This book presents an authoritative overview of comparative research on science and technology policy in order to illuminate the choices that confront decision makers in this field. With contributions from various disciplines including economics, political science, law and science and technology studies, the selection of articles reflects both traditional perspectives and those which challenge conventional assumptions. The book covers such topics as the relationship between science and the state, and comparisons of how different governments seek to support and regulate scientific research, technology, industrial innovation and global competitiveness. Finally it looks at how international influences can affect national policies.