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 environment; research in the government sector; research in industry, sicnece, and university; and the place of the foundations in the research system. No definite conclusions are indicated, however, it is suggested that the changes that have occurred in the organization of scientific work and in the nature and scope of the facilities it requires make it necessary to reshape many research institutions, particularly in industry and the universities. An effort of this kind can only be planned and carried out under the sponsorship of the state and in the light of national interests. This necessitates the development of government decisionmaking mechanisms with wide powers and further investigation to ascertain the conditions under which research policies geared to economic objectives will have to be determined in the coming years. (Author/MJM)