| The economic, social and political agricultural research environment has changed significantly in the last 30 years. This thesis investigates how these changes have influenced the role of government financed research in Ontario, Canada. The findings suggest that the economic rationales to finance agricultural research with taxpayer's money are no longer valid under the current research environment and that funding mechanisms have to adapt to the changing research environment with the funding model choice depending on the objectives of the funding program. Furthermore, national agricultural research systems in developed countries are modifying their national, regional and institutional research strategies indicating that changes in the research environment are not unique to Canada. In addition, research institutions in developed countries are adapting to these changes in government institutions by changing their attitude to government projects and the nature of the projects undertaken. |
