The political economy of research councils: Different roles of research councils in science policy

Research councils have traditionally been used by governments to determine the funding allocations of scientific research. During the 1970s and 1980s the traditional “laissez-faire” science policy characteristics of research councils changed. Government policy on fundamental science was conceived as the active search for, and support of scientific fields considered to be of strategic value to economic development. This article addresses the consequences these changes have had on the objectives and structures of research councils. It will attempt to explain the differential choice of governments in implementing the more active forms of science policy. An analysis is made of the changing roles and activities of research councils in three nations having active policies on (strategic) fundamental science.