905 



agencies, such as the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) , which have active 

 and direct roles in current UNESCO programs. Nonetheless, given the 

 uncertainties of using other international organizations, an enhanced 

 role by U.S. agencies seems inevitable, particularly at this first 

 stage of nonmembership in UNESCO. 



Clearly, there must be a nongovernmental focus as well. A comple- 

 mentary, working relationship between a governmental entity, such as 

 the NSF, and a nongovernmental one, such as the National Research 

 Council, would provide a mutually beneficial, solid foundation for 

 expanded and strengthened American participation in international 

 science. Moreover, such a relationship might reinforce a parallel 

 one at the international level between UNESCO and ICSU. 



8. Next Step . The NRC assessment has profited from several hundred 

 communications from American scientists and engineers who have partici- 

 pated directly, often in leadership roles, in the science activities of 

 UNESCO. The resulting information base presents a useful starting point 

 for a deeper analysis, an analysis which will require considerably more 

 time and the involvement of a much broader segment of the international 

 scientific community. In order that such an analysis be of value, it 

 must necessarily relate UNESCO programs to those of other multilateral 

 institutions having science as a significant part of their mandate. 



9. The Future of International Institutions for Science Cooperation . 

 This review strongly suggests that considerable thought needs to be 

 given to the kinds of multilateral entities that might be established 



to deal with the contemporary requirements of international science 

 cooperation. Before making premature judgments on selecting or formu- 

 lating such entities, it is essential to consult with colleagues here 

 and abroad regarding their concerns, interests, and aspirations. The 

 time may have come to begin discussions of new models for facilitating 

 international cooperation both for the advancement of scientific know- 

 ledge and for strengthening infrastructures in developing countries. 

 Lessons can be learned from an examination of current practicies (e.g., 

 IOC, ICSU/UNESCO, MAB) directed toward enhancing the complementary 

 capabilities of nongovernmental and governmental organizations. 



Science and technology are no longer secondary interests of govern- 

 ments; they have become primary influences on health, economic develop- 

 ment, environmental conditions, and all other aspects of modern society. 

 In view of this complex and pervasive state of science in the world 

 today, it may be necessary in the longer term to consider radical insti- 

 tutional changes ranging from establishment of a separate entity for 

 international science to a complete reorganization and restructuring of 

 present institutions. 



