While asking presidential candidates to engage in a meaningful science policy debate, G. Pascal Zachary wonders:
Is there a way to discuss efficiency and outcomes in S&T without setting off a firestorm among researchers?
There’s a very easy answer to this question: Nope, not a chance!
I’ve been scolded in the past for noting that scientists are another special interest group who will always ask for more money. Though I admit I sometimes overdo this line of thinking, it is a useful framework that the S&T policy community need to embrace more strongly.
That said, Zachary’s essay is excellent and I largely (entirely?) agree with it.
