Publications of Note

Two publications that will be useful to those interested in technology-based economic develop-ment have been released recently. They are:

Science and Engineering State Profiles: 1998 Data Update

This report prepared by the National Science Foundation's Division of Science Resources Studies offers key statistical information for each state. Data in the profiles, includes: number of doctoral scientists and engineers, federal spending; federal obligations for R&D by agency and performer; academic R&D spending; number of SBIR awards; and, gross state product.

The report is available only on-line and can be found at http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/nsf99311/pdfstart.htm

Evaluating Federal Research Programs: Research and the Government Performance and Results Act

Prepared by the Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy (COSEPUP), this report examines the issue of measuring and evaluating research. COSEPUP argues that while useful outcomes of basic research cannot be measured directly on an annual basis that does not mean that there are no meaningful measures of performance of basic research while the research is in progress. The report outlines how to evaluate federal research programs relative to the Govern-ment Performance and Results Act, which requires federal agencies to set strategic goals and to use performance measures for management and budgeting.

The report can be found at http://www2.nas.edu/cosepup under "Publications."