A Framework for Comparing Federal R&D on
Environmental Technologies

Last revised October 1, 1998 (research conducted 1996 - 1998)
Over the past few years, both public and private sector organizations havebeen under pressure to cut back or reorient research dollars. In thisconstrained climate, meeting our existing and future environmental goalswill become more and more dependent on achieving an effective allocation ofscarce R&D funds across the federal and private sectors. While federalresearch and development investments are an important policy tool, theirmagnitude pales in comparison to private investments.

To better structure its R&D priorities and policies, the federal governmentmust develop a clear understanding of how research-intensive industries arerethinking investments in environmental management and technologies; wherethese industries are likely to invest, where they will not invest, andwhere there are opportunities for private-public sector partnerships; andhow existing and future competitive pressures impact industrialenvironmental R&D strategies.

In this project, the Science and Technology Policy Institute is analyzing privatesector environmental research and development activities. The study will involvecase studies of 4 - 5 firms in different sectors which have large R&D budgets, ahistory of innovative research, and a clear reputation as environmental leadersin the industry. This is an effort to ensure that private sector concerns areaddressed in federal policy.

Work is now in progress on a forthcoming final report.

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