Although the social basis for the transportation policy of the government of The Netherlands in general is rather well, there are serious problems with the implementation of certain measures. Research can play an important role in gaining public support for governmental projects. This however requires specific attention to trends in the social appreciation of research in general and public sector research in particular. The social status of research is no longer above all doubt. The belief in the government as protector of public interest alone is diminished too. In respect of gaining enough social basis a discussion is necessary about the contents and institutional setting of policy research. Some suggestions are made to improve the contribution of research in gaining public support for governmental measures. (A)
Samenvatting