This document assesses the specific character of the research systems in the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and Belgium in light of their institutional mechanisms and the way they function. The five articles presented concern international dimensions - national traditions and research policies; university research in a teaching oriented…

The Council's history and the development of its research program provide insights into the evolutionary nature of its interinstitutional research activities. A case study of the program, which has both consortial and coordinating characteristics, is described. (Author/LBH)

Organizational aspects and implementation of Switzerland's national research program that promote goal-oriented research in the service of the general public are described. The Federal Council of Switzerland decides on the topics to be researched and the National Fund is responsible for carrying out the programs. (Author/SF)

This document is the result of an investigation sponsored by the Council of Europe into the state of multinational cooperation on the part of council member nations in the field of educational research. Questionnaires sent to research facility administrators and staff revealed a certain hesitation to cooperate on an institutional/administrative…

Proposes the establishment of a Research Foundation for Open Learning, and reflects on the Open University's achievements and the need for change. (Author/AEF)

Recent tendencies that are likely to endanger free and creative research in Austria are discussed. It is suggested that the danger to free, autonomous research may stem from negligence of the state to provide an adequate organizational framework for research. (Author/SF)

Foresight analysis is proposed as an alternative to strategic planning in the scientific community, and its use by individual funding agencies to develop research resource allocation strategies for specific scientific fields is explored through an analysis in the field of cardiovascular research. Methodology is explained, and preliminary results…

The role of the International Council of Scientific Unions is to establish links between organizations around the world for the development of science and technology education, particularly in developing countries. (MSE)

Funding practices of Canada's Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the principal source of funds for university-based research and scholarship in those disciplines, are examined. In the current competitive environment, the council uses varied evaluation activities, from peer-based grant adjudication for operational purposes to program…

Educators and education researchers from teacher education in western Canada institutions attended a conference to explore possibilities for cooperation in teacher education research. Sponsored by the University of Lethbridge (Alberta), participants included representatives from universities in British Columbia, Victoria, Alberta, Calgary, Regina,…

Australia's Cooperative Research Centres Program, a system of 52 research and development (R&D) units, links researchers from public and private sectors, helping industry and scientific community coordinate research efforts. The program represents 6% of the national R&D effort and spans six major R&D and industry sectors. (MSE)

The role of Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council, an independent statutory body, in distribution of funds for research projects, programs, units, and major institutes. The agency's evaluation system, resource allocation practices, and training and career support system are described briefly. (MSE)

The history of direct government funding of research in Australia's higher education institutions is chronicled, focusing on the evolution of research policy and emphasis on excellence. The establishment of the Australian Research Council and its statement of specific mission and priorities is also detailed. (MSE)

The Institute of Family Studies has completed its fourth year of operation, and government and public demand for input from the Institute is growing beyond its capacity. This report focuses on current operating difficulties as well as on the structure and activities of the Institute. The first section, entitled "Structure and…

Recent changes in the New Zealand government's research funding system are discussed, and the resulting system is detailed. Remaining structural problems, some of which are seen as constraining progress toward government priorities, are identified and likely solutions and trends indicated. (Author/MSE)