ABSTRACT
The desirable role for science advice ranges over a wide variety of issues—from those with major media and public attention to those with much less public awareness. The only feasible way for a science advisory system to work requires initiation of policy/science studies well in advance of the political need. Thus, the system must have a continuing set of studies underway, and the set must anticipate political opportunities. During the 1960s, the President's Science Advisor and the President's Science Advisory Committee attempted to respond to this challenge. Consequently, it would seem that the effectiveness of the science advisory system will depend on the establishment of strong relations with Departments within the Executive branch. The chapter emphasizes the view that the system generating science/technology advice for the Executive branch should be an on-going activity, continually studying major issues and areas of science/technology to be poised to give advice at the moment politically opportune.
