Journal
TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETY
Volume 34, Issue 2, Pages 118-126Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2012.02.005
Keywords
University-industry relationship; Research integrity; Public perception; Risk management; Controversial technologies; Industry funding
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Universities and government research organizations (GROs) are increasingly being thrust into the role of an honest broker. They gather scientific data on technical, social and economic issues and present potential policies and courses of action to interested parties. However, they must remain unbiased at all times, whilst offering expertise in a wide range of subjects, especially in areas concerning controversial technologies. In this article we argue that today's science funding paradigms make universities and GROs increasingly vulnerable in their role as honest brokers in society. We exemplify our arguments with a descriptive case study surrounding Swiss nuclear energy research, which offers insights into past and current funding strategies. Dedicated funding strategies, such as funding professorships or technology platforms that allow honest brokers to safeguard their integrity and conduct research in controversial areas are presented and discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available