Definitions of 'high technology' used by state programs in the USA: a study of variation in industrial policy under a federal system

Rationales for high technology development programs are suggested, and results to a survey of how state and federal agencies concerned with high technology development define such industry are presented. The general similarity found between federal and state definitions contradicts theoretical expectations of variation, and suggests the natural federal logic may be suppressed in this case. Speculation is made that state assistance is in general not following the directions set by Japan.