Scientific manpower in Europe: a comparative study of scientific manpower in the public service of Great Britain and selected European countries

In technologically advanced countries the Government is usually the largest individual employer of scientific manpower and therefore the biggest spender in scientific research. This situation largely arose as a result of World War II and the state of affairs is likely to continue for many years to come. The management of this large body of scientists and technologists within a department or other agency poses major problems that have hardly been faced even in the biggest privately owned industrial organizations. Civil services have evolved over many years to meet gradually changing needs. Science advances so rapidly that the traditional methods of management are not necessarily suited nor sufficiently adaptable to meet modern needs. New methods have therefore got to be devised.
A comparative study of the way in which the various countries seek a solution of their problems is a method of approach that is best made by one who is not immediately concerned with the problems in Europe. Mr. McCrensky has gone to great pains to study and to comment compactly on the scene in a number of European countries. Although countries differ so markedly in their national characteristics, the problems that arise with managing scientists have a habit of becoming markedly similar no matter where they are studied.
This study therefore is particularly timely in affording those whose job it is to manage scientists to see how it is done elsewhere. It is up to the reader to try then and synthesize for his own particular task the best practices to suit the given set of circumstances. In this way the standard of management is increased with benefit to the scientist and government alike.