Abstract

Advances in science and technology are not inescapable but can be directed to the well-being of the whole society. This paper discusses some measures of public intervention aimed at extending the benefits of research and innovation to large portions of society that are partially or totally excluded from them. These measures specifically concern: the evaluation criteria of scientific research financed mainly with public resources and conducted mainly by universities; the types of public incentives for the innovative activities performed by private firms; the use of public procurement for the supply of innovative goods and services.