There is perhaps a deeper reason behind the inability of the foundation to take a more prominent role in US science policymaking decisions. Operation of science policy, says the Federal Council for Science and Technology, “reflects the pluralistic character of most political processes in the United States. This character militates against a neat division of functions, and it results in a sharing of functions. This pluralism has the effect of diffusing power. In science policy, the continuing task is to sustain the most effective balance between diffusion and centralization of power.”

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