Inputs and outcomes relating to funding public policies in biomedicine and health in Spain for 1988–93 were assessed using statistical data and a survey addressed to project leaders of target-oriented programmes. Most of the funds were devoted to marginal-cost projects in traditional scientific fields granted on a competitive basis using a fair peer-review system. Funds were mainly addressed to well-known research groups with only a moderate growth of the R&D system. There does not appear to be a significant relationship between the objectives of the research projects and the patient care system. The social and industrial goals of the National Research Programmes did not seem to be significant outcomes of the projects granted. Academic performance measured as scientific publications in international journals is acceptable but technology transfer is poor. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.