FROM MISSION TO COMMERCIAL ORIENTATION - PERILS AND POSSIBILITIES FORFEDERAL INDUSTRIAL-TECHNOLOGY POLICY

During the 1990s, the federal government developed a new post-Cold War commercial orientation in some of its technology policies. These init iatives signify a change in direction from the strictly military-led, mission-driven approach of the past. Their shared goal is to assist in dustry in achieving technical advances that provide private returns to the innovating (or technology-using)firms that also yield broad socia l and economic benefits to the nation as a whole. This new direction i n policy is not without its perils. Government agencies have to define and manage new roles and relationships with industry in carrying out these policies. Because of the uncertainties involved in any effort (p rivate or public) to advance new technologies, there will inevitably b e some failures. In this transition to a new post-Cold War policy era, these provide important learning opportunities for policy makers and program administrators in designing future programs.