Do we need a technology policy?

The authors suggest that a reexamination of the US government´s role in assisting or stimulating delivery of competitive goods or services by sociotechnical systems is overdue and contribute to the reexamination of policy by identifying and defining the essential functions of a technology policy. The theories governing US technology policies in defense, medicine, and agriculture are reviewed, and the general circumstances and processes needed for effective innovation and competitiveness are discussed. Four functions, climate setting, surveying, coordinating, and gap filling, that the government needs to carry out to foster development of successful technologies are described in detail. Unavoidable policy decisions which together create a more (or less) favorable climate for innovations are also discussed.<>