AbstractTwenty years ago, the science of science was new as was the Science of Science Foundation. A generalized body of knowledge was being sought about science in its historical, philosophical, social and technological aspects.The climate was right for a science of science to exist — contemporary science had sufficient volume and variety to allow statistical examinations: there was a body of case histories: science was carried out in different cultural environments: and science was in an exciting state of change.The science of science is involved in the political and economic framework of research and development decision-making which should help to define the correct ratio between basic and applied research.