Science Policy: Considerations for Subnational Governments

The Question

What are the necessary considerations when creating science policy at the subnational level? In responding to the question, the CCA sought to:

• Debate and validate the main outcomes of a subnational science enterprise, particularly in relation to knowledge, human, and social capital.
• Identify the key elements and characteristics of a successful science enterprise (e.g., funding, trust, capacity, science culture, supporting interconnections and relationships), with a particular focus at a subnational level.
• Explore potential intents of a subnational science policy, important features of such a policy, and the role of the policy in informing investment decisions.

Key Findings

The final report, Science Policy: Considerations for Subnational Governments, is an insightful, high-quality study that identifies key considerations for the development of science policies and is intended to be used as a roadmap to guide conversations and inform decision-making about science policies at the subnational level.

• The rationale for creating an explicit science policy at the subnational level is compelling.
• Science and innovation policies are distinct, but inextricably linked, for all levels of government.
• Subnational governments play many of the same roles as national governments in supporting science.
• A comprehensive framework for a science policy can be built around five core elements: people, infrastructure, research, science culture, and knowledge mobilization.
• Cross-sectoral and cross-governmental coordination and cooperation are central to an effective subnational science policy.
• A subnational science policy can bring clarity to provincial research priorities.
• Committing long term to a subnational science policy is important for maintaining and developing the science system.