The world of the twenty-first century will be more interdependent than ever. As trade in both goods and services accelerates, and capital flows increase, benefits will accrue from new scientific knowledge and from cutting-edge technologies. Trade is becoming the middle name of science and technology and it depends increasingly on the legal and regulatory frameworks in the US and other nations.
Our Science & Trade Policy Program (STPP) is directed by Dr. J. Thomas Ratchford, Distinguished Visiting Professor at the National Center for Technology and Law. International in scope, the STPP addresses the unique challenges presented when integrating trade considerations into public policy discussions concerning science, research, and technology. Information on current STPP employees can be found on the Staff and Faculty page.
The STPP engages in the following activities:
- U.S.-China Cooperation Program in Science Policy, Research, and Education
- U.S.-Japan Science Policy Seminars
- U.S.-Korea Science and Technology Cooperation Program
- Conferences and Seminars
- Education and Training
- Research and Analysis
The STPP was originally established in 1994 as the Center for Science, Trade & Technology Policy. It continues its multi-disciplinary conference, education, and research activities involving faculty and students from George Mason and other schools and institutes. These activities bring together the science, foreign affairs, trade, legal, and technology communities from around the world. Participants include representatives from government, academic, business, labor, financial, trade, foreign policy, scientific, and engineering organizations -- both domestic and foreign.
Over the years, the STPP has been fortunate to work with some of the country's most distinguished academics and policy-makers. For a list of these individuals, go to Former Faculty and Research Staff.