From science and technology inputs to policy outcomes: What are the determining factors?

Science and technology policy represents a truly transdisciplinary topic that crosses academe, government and industry and requires both theoretical and practical perspectives. While one can currently identify individual science and technology policy interests and agendas, there are few explanatory models or even best practice guidelines that relate science and technology inputs with policy outcomes or, on the other hand, policy inputs with science and technology outcomes. Indeed, scientists often complain that policymakers do not listen to them or "the science;" policy makers often complain that scientists not only fail to understand what it means to make policy, but also fail to provide information in formats that can be used successfully to make policy. Too often, policy discussions focus on funding rather than impact. Through comparative research and comparison of research, the goal of STP-GRC will be to discern critical variables in the relationships between inputs and outcomes. This will be accomplished by bringing together members of the highly diverse science and technology policy community to present and discuss current empirical studies. Building networks within this community will advance the critical work of developing a robust field of research in science and technology policy.