The Regional Research Program has potential for being the elite among research programs and to be a high status symbol for those associated with it. That it is not so means that it is not achieving its potential and that it is falling short of the original objectives. Since its inception, the regional research program has been praised and condemned. There appears to be more dissatisfaction than satisfaction with both the administrative procedures and the subject matter content of the program. Control of the program, the administrative structure and its effectiveness have been the subject of much discussion and debate. Some say the program has yielded little, and some of those who defend it do so on the basis that it has enabled researchers to meet and discuss their work, which in itself is worthwhile.