Interdisciplinary policy research in independent research centers

The growth of independent research centers after World War II reflected the federal government's concern for defense-related research and policy studies. These centers had more independence than government laboratories; greater emphasis on interdisciplinary, policy-oriented research than universities; and fewer conflicts of interest than industrial laboratories. The same factors carry over to interdisciplinary policy research in nondefense fields. The major problems of managing interdisciplinary research projects include building a strong interdisciplinary team, selecting and motivating project leaders, maximizing institutional support, selecting the right projects and clients, and linking research to policymaking. Policy researchers and project managers must pay particular attention to preparing and communicating their results in ways that have some impact on the policy decision process.