Intergovernmental Support of TechnologicaL Innovation in Local Government

Abstract

This paper examines the influence that intergovernmental support has on the adoption of new technologies within and among four areas of local government—fire protec tion, traffic control, solid waste management, and air pollution control. Interviews were conducted with more than 80 program managers in 20 cities throughout the United States. The interviews focused on the respondents'perceptions of the influences that funds, rules, technical assistance, and attitudes held by higher level officials have on local decisions to adopt new technical innovations. Two findings emerged: (1) intergovernmental influences do not impact in a uniform fashion on local decisions to innovate, and (2) such influences are often attenuated or minimized by local circumstances. Finally, the paper explores the policy implications of these findings.