Publicado en Science and Public Policy, 20 (6): 370-380, 1993.S&T were low prioritues in Spain until the mid 70s. The socialist governement, aided by D&T policies elsewhere and the emerging policyentrepeneur, made reforms to better co-ordinate public S&T. Institutional weaknesses were an obstacle, initially masked by strong leadership, policy entrepreneurs, reduced bureaucratic powers, and poor representation of some groups.Peer reviewed