In the USA, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has taken a very interesting initiative to improve the understanding of how networks operate and their importance for innovation. The initiative is labelled The Science of Science Policy – A Federal Research Roadmap.

The U.S. National Science Foundation has initiated a programme the Science of Science & Innovation Policy (SciSIP). The science of science policy is an emerging field of interdisciplinary research. Within this program, NSF has completed a study on the role of scientific networks nationally and internationally. A tender has been launched inviting researchers to develop models and empirical evidence for the functioning and value of networks in research and innovation processes.

The goal is to provide a scientifically-rigorous, quantitative basis from which policymakers and researchers can assess the impacts of scientific and engineering enterprise, improve their understanding of its dynamics, and assess the likely outcomes. Read more: “The Science of Science Policy - A Federal Research Roadmap”, NSF Report on the Science of Science Policy, November 200818.

Source: http://www.ostp.gov/nstc/html/NSTC_Home.html/.