ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to examine how the assessment of science and technology-related policies takes place in Congress, the role it plays in the formulation of public policies, and the prospects for improving policy making for the kinds of policies. Policy analysis plays a central role in all phases of the policy making process, particularly at the critical stage when Congress chooses among competing policy options. The policy initiation involves the recognition of the existence of a problem and efforts to define its causes and consequences. The initial effort to outline possible policy responses and to make a preliminary assessment of the risks, costs, and benefits of alternative responses, the screening process will necessarily eliminate some alternatives. Policy evaluation requires that the actual efforts and accomplishments of implementing agencies be compares with the policy goals establishes for them by Congress. Science and technology– relates policy issues are generally designed either to promote scientific and technological advances.
