The feasibility of creating independent research and education centers that deal with public policy issues in developing countries is assessed. Countries that were surveyed include Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, South Korea, Philippines, Pakistan, and Nepal. For each country, a report describes the social and political climate in relation to establishing the centers. Also, recommendations are made for the feasibility of establishing an institution, desirability and extent of Agency for International Development (AID) support to make the institution viable, and degree of extent of technical assistance needed for each institution. It was recommended that (1) AID support social science research, not policy, in Brazil; (2) AID assist private persons' support of public policy research in Colombia; (3) AID not become involved in research institutions in Bolivia, Costa Rica, and Guatemala; (4) AID should encourage and assist the establishment of an institute in South Korea; (5) AID encourage private support for a center in the Philippines; (6) further inquiry into establishment of a center in Pakistan must be made; and (7) AID can assist cautiously a center in Nepal with high competence for research. (ND)