The papers prepared for the United Nations workshop made it clear that criminological theory, the types of studies conducted, and the resources available for research are all related to particular political, economic, social, and cultural contexts. Great variations exist in the ways in which people think about juvenile delinquency, and research studies have used a variety of methods. However, a common theme of the papers from different regions is the need for closer collaboration between policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in dealing with issues related to juvenile delinquency. To accomplish this it would be useful to use the enlightenment model in the social sciences, rather than the social engineering model that has had no real impact on policy. The enlightenment model recognizes that the influence of research tends to be indirect and delayed and that research is not the only basis for policymaking. It also recognizes that research is most likely to have an impact through a process of interaction with many selected audiences and that its main influence is probably in changing the conceptual framework of policymakers. Using the enlightenment model should make juvenile delinquency research more action-oriented. The United Nations research organization should take the lead in developing proposals for such research.