The development of science and research in any particular country depends on both international megatrends and local conditions. It is conditioned by international trends because the values accorded to knowledge, science and education are in constant flux. However, because science is not an isolated activity, national science policy also depends upon the conditions and dynamics of a country's political, economic and social environment, as well as its natural environment, historical and political background, and specific features of culture and science traditions. This means that the science policy framework in small countries is different from that in large ones, as a country's size, the availability of human and material resources and its existing infrastructure set certain constraints on the development of its science and technology (S&T).