Unfortunately the debate on science in US seems at the moment rather stagnating (via Asymptotia).
However, it seems there will be at least in Europe a little bit of a debate – namely on the ESOF2008 conference.
From the website
The mission of the Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF) is to provide both the European and the international science communities with an open platform for debate and communication. It presents and profiles Europe’s leading research trends in the sciences, humanities and social sciences. It is an opportunity to discuss and influence the future of research and innovation in Europe.
We won’t be in Europe for at least a couple of months, but it sounds interesting.
There seems to be an emphasis on innovative future european potential -also with respect to markets. Thus it is a good opportunity especially for young scientists.
->The programme highlights