ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the possible responses of government to the effects of new technology upon society. It deals with government policies towards the promotion and development of new technologies in industry. The chapter explains one of the most important tasks of government in the near future in all the industrialised countries will be to promote occupational mobility. Closely related to occupational mobility is the question of training, another area in which government is widely recognised to have a responsibility. The chapter explores the challenges which new technology poses for the administration of government. The experimental technology incentives programme of the United States Department of Commerce is an example of such a policy initiative. It allows for learning-by-doing, for modification, and if need be, for termination. Governments should never allow themselves to become wholly and irrevocably committed to projects at an early stage of their development.
