initiative compiles, processes, and disseminates data on institutional developments and investments in worldwide agricultural R&D, and analyzes and reports on these trends. Tracking these developments in ways that facilitate meaningful comparisons among different countries, types of agencies, and points in time is critical for keeping policymakers abreast of science policy issues pertaining to agriculture. The main objective of the ASTI initiative is to assist policymakers and donors in making

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... etter informed decisions about the funding and operation of public and private agricultural science and technology agencies by making available internationally comparable information on agricultural research investments and institutional changes. Betterinformed decisions will improve the efficiency and impact of agricultural R&D systems and ultimately enhance productivity growth of the agriculture sector.