Competing in a global economy

The approaches to global competition adopted by Japan, West Germany, and to the US are examined. In Japan several government institutions assist in developing a strategic vision in science and technology. Foremost is Japan´s Council for Science and Technology, which promotes a comprehensive national policy. The Science and Technology Agency (STA), consuming about a quarter of Government R&D, funds research, oversees a worldwide collection of science and engineering publications, and directs a technology transfer corporation. West Germany has developed its R&D policy within a broader European context. Some 12% of the Federal Ministry for Research and Technology (BMFT) budget goes toward international organizations. In the US more than 700 federally funded laboratories spend one-third of the Government´s R&D funds and employ more than one-sixth of US scientists and engineers. Issues related to capital costs and to education in all the countries are examined.<>