771 



4. Differences among OECD countries are substantial 



not only in size and in depth of science and technology 



programmes, but also in experience with cooperation 



and attitude tov/ards it. The less advanced countries of 



OECD present particularly important targets for 



greater involvement in appropriate ways. The United 



States presents a different situation, for its experience 



with detailed international cooperation in civil R&D 



is actually rather limited, and its budgetary and decision 



processes are not traditionally geared to the need or 



opportunities for cooperation with other countries. 



Hence, one of the goals should be to create a greater ;j| 



capacity in the decision processes of Member countries 



for consideration of cooperation as a "matter of course". 



With regard to OECD: 



1. There appears to be general agreement that 

 OECD's function should be primarily as a catalyst 



or animator, assuming no continuing operational role 

 in specific projects. 



2. Accordingly, its role would be to stimulate ideas 

 from governments, serve as a repository of candidate 

 programmes, provide initial staff functions for calling 

 together expert groups, help identify governments 

 interested in participation, and then step aside while 

 those governments develop the programmes on their own. 



