A new report praises Barack Obama and John McCain for recognizing the importance science and technology play in economic growth but says neither presidential hopeful has offered a fully formed agenda for innovation.

In its report, “Comparing the Candidates’ Technology and Innovation Policies,” the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation provides a comprehensive comparison of the candidates’ positions in areas such as research and development, taxes, and education. For example, the authors note that Senator McCain emphasizes policy prescriptions to spur private-sector innovation, like extending and making permanent the research and development tax credit, while Senator Obama focuses on using government as a catalyst through proposals like doubling federal funds for basic research.

But the think tank also argues that both contenders could go further in articulating specific proposals. The report calls on the candidates to move beyond “general proclamations” like “strengthening math and science education” to offer concrete, detailed policies for doing so.

To read more about what leaders in the field, including Robert D. Atkinson, the institute’s president, think Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama should be saying about innovation and economic competitiveness, check out this piece in The Chronicle Review. —Karin Fischer