For almost thirty years, the The George Washington University has been one of the world's leading centers for research, graduate study, and informed discussion related to issues of science, technology, and public policy. The Center manages GW's Master of Arts program in Science, Technology, and Public Policy , as well as provides a field of study for doctoral and master's degree candidates from other parts of the University. The Center also carries out research projects for a variety of government and non-government sponsors, organizes seminars and symposia on significant science and technology issues, and hosts visitors from other parts of the United States and overseas. The Space Policy Institute , which concentrates its research and teaching efforts on issues related to the world's space programs, is a major policy and research program within the Center.
Substantial research is also underway on innovation policy.
Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the policy implications of technological innovation as it is carried out by firms and other organizations. New theories, such as the sciences of complexity and national innovation systems are examined for their relevance to innovation policy-making. The Center's faculty are also involved in research on technology and industry dynamics where particular emphasis of recent work has been on scientific and technological cooperation and competition.