R&D policy instruments – a critical review of what we do and don't know. Issue 2 (17th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Martin, Ben R.
• Is Part Of: Industry and innovation. Volume 23:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 157
• Page End: 176
• Publication Date: 2016-02-17
• Subjects: Policy instruments -- R&D policy -- policy design -- policy mix; Industries -- Periodicals; Industrial management -- Periodicals; Industrial policy -- Periodicals; 338.005
• DOI: 10.1080/13662716.2016.1146125
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1366-2716

Abstract

Abstract: In recent years, the term "policy instrument" has been used frequently with regard to R&D policy and innovation policy. This article examines the development of the term as part of a body of research known as "policy design". Over the last 50 years, there has been substantial progress in setting policy design on a more systematic basis, with the development of established concepts and analytical frameworks, including various taxonomies of policy instruments. However, with just a few exceptions, this body of research seems to have had little impact in the world of R&D policy. The paper reviews the literature on R&D policy instruments, identifies a number of challenges for R&D policy instruments in the light of four transitions and sets out a research agenda for the study of R&D policy instruments, before ending with a number of conclusions.