This paper describes the development of research evaluation in Spain. It assumes that research evaluation, R&D policy and programme evaluation are embedded in the development of and R&D system and are characterised by general Spanish policy-making. Research evaluation in a context of delegation and as a self-organising system for research actors guaranteed by the state, has been strongly developed in the last few years: R&D policy and programmme evaluation in less institutionalised. The explanation is linked to the sequence of reforms of the R&D system and to the set up of the first Spanish science and technology policy.The support of the European Commission is acknowledged (HCM contract CHRX-CT93-0240) and the Spanish National R&D Plan (projects SEC 93-0688 and SEC 94-0796).