Benchmarking national public policies to exploit international science and industrial research: a synopsis of current developments

Abstract

Governments act on the increasing internationalisation of science and technology, albeit slowly. This paper is based on a study of strategies and initiatives set in motion by key actors in science and technology policy in eight countries. These activities could be directed at attracting or absorbing foreign knowledge or carriers of knowledge. The study found that, although there is awareness of a general problem (for instance, brain drain, lack of attractiveness of domestic science and technology system, insufficient access to world class knowledge), few countries develop an integrated policy strategy to address these issues. Nevertheless, the study identified a number of interesting initiatives that can serve as ‘benchmarks’ for policy-makers elsewhere.