The article points out that prior to 1980 most US government support of science and technology projects was carried out at the federal level. However, during the 1980s initiatives have come increasingly from the state level. Selected federal and national schemes are described, including the NIST, the National Science Foundation and the Small Business Innovation Research Program. Various state level activities are then outlined, attention being paid to incubators and science parks, seed capital programmes and centre of excellence programmes.
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References
1.
Much of the material for this article was drawn from: Diane Palmintera, Best Practices in United States Innovation Development, Innovation Associates, Inc, 1130 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036, USA. Another study worth noting is by the National Governors Association, Promoting Technological Excellence: The Role of State and Federal Extension Activities, 444 North Capitol St, Washington DC pp. 20001–1572.
2.
The State Technical Services Program, begun in 1965 by the US Department of Commerce, sought to provide industry with information on best practices for improving productivity using university and industry sources.
3.
This publication is available through the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, Virginia 22161, USA. Ref PB 8810 1977.
4.
US General Accounting Office, Federal Research: Small Business Innovation Research Participants Give Program High Marks (Briefing Report to Congressional Requestors), (GAO/RCED- pp. 87–161 BR), July 1987.
5.
Catalogue of Government Inventions Available for Licensing, National Technical Information Service. This is issued annually; the latest one is — (PB pp. 91–100206), NTIS, February 1991. In the latest issue there are over 1000 inventions categorized in under 43 headings.
6.
The Office of Science and Technology, Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development, State Technology Programs in the United States, July 1988.
