Why Policy Issue Networks Matter: The Advanced Tec "Hallacher's research is useful because little is understood about effects of networks on policymaking. There is a plethora of theoretical work, but minimal research where theories have been tested, applied, or analyzed in more specific detail. Hallacher's inquiry accomplishes two important tasks. We are reminded that extensive differences exist between policy processes, and the importance of differentiation between policy subsystems is reinforced. Hallacher also presents a particularly succinct and useful overview of different approaches to the policy process over the last 35 years."— STEP Ahead Why Policy Issue Networks Matter tells the story of the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), developed in the 1980s as part of a so-called new science policy paradigm, aimed at accelerating the transfer of government-sponsored research to industry for economic benefit to the nation. These two initiatives have been at the center of an ongoing political dispute over that science policy paradigm. The book also examines the effects of policy issue networks on policymaking. It is widely argued that in many areas of policymaking over the past 30 years, the tightly bound and insular "iron triangles" that dominated policymaking for most of the twentieth century have been replaced by more open, informal, and decentralized structural arrangements, termed policy issue networks. Little is known, however, about the actual effects of policy issue networks. The book will be of interest to readers concerned about the role of science and technology in economic development, as well as public administration faculty members and students with interest in agenda setting, interest group politics, and policy issue networks. The book is ideally suited for use as an upper division undergraduate or graduate public policy text. About the Author Paul M. Hallacher is the director of research program development at Penn State University.   Grants.gov Grants.gov is your source to FIND and APPLY for federal government grants. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is proud to be the managing partner for Grants.gov, an initiative that is having an unparalleled impact on the grant community. National Science Foundation National Nanotechnology Initiative About the NNI The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) is a federal R&D program established to coordinate the multiagency efforts in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. Because of the promise of nanotechnology to improve lives and to contribute to economic growth, the Federal Government, through the guiding efforts of the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative, is supporting research in nanotechnology. As a result of the NNI research efforts, the United States is a global leader in nanotechnology development. Environmental Protection Agency Federal Communications Commission National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NAS National Institute of Standards and Technology National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Technical Information Service U.S. Department of Energy Office of Scientific & Technical Information Patent and Trademark Office Science and Technology Policy (White House) Defense Technical Information Center U.S. Geological Survey National Institutes of Health Department of Homeland Security Research