THE SEARCH FOR A NEW PARADIGM FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL-RESEARCH SYSTEMS

This paper first reviews trends in the recent evolution of investment in national agricultural research systems. It then synthesizes the maj or elements of an emerging paradigm for viewing the future evolution o f research systems. This paradigm has arisen in response to the fundin g crisis in public research organizations in the 1990s, and the declin ing capacity of many of these organizations. Key elements of this new paradigm are: a pluralistic institutional structure, a growing role fo r the private sector, new mechanisms for research funding, improved ef ficiency and effectiveness of public research organizations, and stren gthening of global scientific links. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.