Science academies form an integral part of national innovation systems. They play multile, direct and indirect roles in the development of scientific and technological capabilities. This paper proposes a conceptual framework of the functions of science academies using the technology community framework. The framework is empirically tested by examining the impact of the functions of Indian Science Academies. The three most important areas that science academies need to address are in the areas of publications, forming networks with other organizations, and leveraging their position to have an impact on science and technology policy.