This monograph weaves together a history of theories of the diffusion of innovations in selected academic disciplines, tracing the influence of these theories in the formulation of national science and technology policies for 1960 to present. It moves along two main warps - disciplinary traditions of diffusion research and a synoptic history of U.S. science and technology policy - weaving them together at times and in places to demonstrate both their singular threads and crisscrossing patterns. Given the monograph's shifting focus back and forth between intellectual history and science and technology policy history over a 50+ year time period, it is useful to first set out the organization. Section 2 describes the concurrent rapid conceptual development and empirical testing in the 1960-1970s of models of diffusion of innovation in economics, geography, political science, and organizational theory that arose alongside but often in competition with prior ""traditions of research"" in (rural) sociology and anthropology, and the intra- and interdisciplinary battles over competing theories of diffusion for theoretical/disciplinary hegemony and policy relevance. Section 3 shifts from intellectual history to science and technology history. Section 4 describes the shifts beginning in the 1980s and continuing since then in policy agendas, conceptual models, and framing of U.S. science and technology policies and among OECD nations towards economic growth and competitiveness. Section 5 examines the re-emergence in assorted forms of academic interest and external funding in diffusion research circa 2000 to the present, also noting the current limited ties between this research and science and technology policy formulation.

A Strategy for Assessing Science offers strategic advice on the perennial issue of assessing rates of progress in different scientific fields. It considers available knowledge about how science makes progress and examines a range of decision-making strategies for addressing key science policy concerns. These include avoiding undue conservatism that may arise from the influence of established disciplines; achieving rational, high-quality, accountable, and transparent decision processes; and establishing an appropriate balance of influence between scientific communities and agency science managers. A Strategy for Assessing Science identifies principles for setting priorities and specific recommendations for the context of behavioral and social research on aging. Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary 1 The Purpose of the Study 2 The NIA Behavioral and Social Science Research Program 3 The Stakes in Research Assessment 4 Progress in Science 5 Methods of Assessing Science 6 Conclusions and Recommendations References Appendix: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and Staff