Managing Knowledge, Governing Society: Social Theory, Research Policy and Environmental Transition

The Neoliberal and Research and Innovation paradigms have reshaped industrial societies since the 1980s,with divergent responses to the environmental transition. This book examines how these policies have evolved and how they can be extended and reformed to respond to present and future environmental constraints. It focuses on knowledge creation,convergence between the British school of science and technology studies and Michel Foucault,and considers climate change as the overwhelming challenge of our time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Since the 1980s, two distinct paradigms have profoundly reshaped industrial societies: the Neoliberal paradigm and the Research and Innovation paradigm. These paradigms have been conceptualized and translated into robust policies with far-reaching economic and social implications. They offer contrasting responses to the ongoing environmental transition.

The Neoliberal paradigm is built upon economic models and geopolitical solutions. It advocates for market-driven policies, deregulation, and free trade to promote economic growth and prosperity. The Research and Innovation paradigm, on the other hand, aims to manage knowledge differently to redirect the course of society's evolution. Since the mid-1990s, a version of this paradigm has driven the development of large-scale research and innovation policies.

This book delves into the evolution of these policies and explores ways to extend and reform them to address present and future environmental constraints. It examines the mutation of the conception, organization, and role of science and technology in the evolution of industrial societies and considers the future trajectory of these developments.

The book offers three distinct lines of inquiry. The first is to approach knowledge creation from an institutional and reflexive perspective, transcending the boundaries of economics, sociology, political science, and history. The second is to establish a convergence between the British school of science and technology studies and the research trends initiated by Michel Foucault. Both approaches advocate for trans-disciplinary and policy-oriented research, combining case studies, long-term perspectives, and theory. The third is to recognize climate change as the overarching challenge of our time, demanding urgent attention and action.

This book serves as an insightful guide for students, scholars, and researchers across the humanities and social sciences, including philosophy, political science, law, economics, business, and media. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the historical and contemporary dynamics shaping industrial societies and offers valuable insights into the future of these developments.

Weight: 585g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032033754