Problems in interdisciplinary policy research and management in government

With the increasing complexities of government policy and decision making, it has become necessary to take an interdisciplinary approach to policy analysis and problem solving. An attempt is made to describe the important managerial factors in the planning and implementation of a policy analysis organization based on the experience of the establishment of a telecommunications policy analysis function within the US Department of Commerce to provide policy research and analysis to the Executive Office of the President. The institutional factors, problems, and needs particular to government are stressed.