A substantial share of public investment is spent on public procurement in the European Union (EU) (ca. EUR 2 trillion per annum, representing 14% of EU GDP) and quality public services depend on well-managed and efficient modern procurement. Improving public procurement can yield big savings: a 1% efficiency gain could save EUR 20 billion every…

This study considers the linkage between micro-sized enterprises and other organizations, especially universities, in relation to the innovation process. The focus of the research is on non-start-up enterprises in Wales and how they develop their products. The research methodology adopted is a thematic literature review and the case study…

Discusses the formulation of science policy--the decisions and legislation that dictate what research and development will be performed through which federal agencies and with what resources. Highlights the legislative process and the budget cycle in the executive and legislative branches. (JRH)

The Hungarian government has recently been focusing on innovation policy as part of a wider campaign to improve the business environment. This paper first underscores the importance of a good general business climate in encouraging both formal and informal R&D activity as well as ensuring Hungary benefits from the international diffusion of…

Summarizes factors contributing to successful federal research and development (R&D) funding for educational technology, and provides policy recommendations based on these findings. Topics discussed include the role of industry; public policy issues; legislative initiatives; executive branch administration; staff continuity; procurement…

A good framework for investment in innovation can contribute to increasing Chile's growth potential. Spending on R&D is currently low in relation to GDP and heavily reliant on government financing. Innovation activity in the business sector is also limited by insufficient seed and venture capital and human capital constraints. This is despite…

This document contains the text of three days of hearings before the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Science, Research, and Technology. The hearings were held to consider the role of science and engineering in world competitiveness, particularly with regard to the United States' nonmetric posture in a metric world. Testimony…

Despite some weakening in the 1990s, partly due to sluggish trend growth, the Swiss innovation performance has been very strong. There are, however, areas in which policy reforms could strengthen innovation further and help Switzerland maintain its lead in the face of a changing global environment. Boosting competition, simplifying administrative…

This theme issue presents a variety of articles and resources on the application of positive behavioral support (PBS) with children who exhibit behavior problems in home or school settings. The first article discusses the importance of understanding a challenging behavior's purpose, implementing behavior change strategies, and monitoring…

This report examines the educational needs of and services provided to children with disabilities in developing nations and identifies key strategies for developing educational provisions for this population. It stresses that integrated education and community-based rehabilitation are two approaches which can provide cost-effective and meaningful…