Federal Incentives for Innovation: Exploratory Experiment Using Graduate Students and Research Assistants in a State Legislature

摘要

The aim of this project was to develop a science and technology (S&T) intern program, which would provide broader and more comprehensive S&T information to the Wisconsin legislature, and, at the same time strengthen the relationship between the legislature and the University of Wisconsin system. To achieve this goal, the Legislative Council created a full-time position of staff scientist and initiated a science intern program which employed three part-time graduate students from the physical, biological, and/or engineering sciences at the University of Wisconsin. This report describes services provided by and accomplishments of the science staff of the Legislative Council. Key findings, issues, and unanswered questions are summarized. The project is analyzed within the framework of a generalized innovation model from project objectives, target population, and barriers addressed through strategies, methods of implementation, and evaluation approaches. The experiment was considered to be successful in providing S&T information to the Wisconsin legislature, career development for interns, and increased cooperation between the legislature and the university.