Improving the Mechanism to Integrate Science in Policy Formulation: Report of the Alabama Science, Engineering, and Technology Executive Branch Study

摘要

The study focused on the potential for improving the mechanism to integrate science, engineering, and technology resources in the policy formulation process and on alternatives which will be most effective and feasible in the Executive Office of the Governor. As a result of the study, the Governor appointed the Director of the Office of State Planning and Federal Programs as the Governor's Science Adviser. The principal findings of the investigation were that, while significant changes in the system are not required, there is fragmentation of the policy-formulation process and greater input from the science community is desirable. To achieve a clearly-designated focal point and a more cohesive process for the Alabama state science policy, the following recommendations were made: a central management agency should be designated by the Governor to coordinate science and technology policy, taking into account both policy formulation and management; the Office of State Planning and Federal Programs should be appointed by the Governor to assist in identifying issues and opportunities which science, engineering, and technology resources may address; and a Science Policy Division of the Office of State Planning and Federal Programs should be created by the Director to develop capacity and to strengthen mechanisms for support activities.