Scholarly science policy models and real policy, RSD for SciSIP in US Mission Agencies

Abstract

Do theories that describe how science and technology policy works accurately characterize programs that aim to contribute to societal benefit? How can the research performed by federal mission agencies contribute to improved decision making? The US Department of Agriculture, the Naval Research Laboratory, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology each have goals of performing research that meets the needs of specific user groups. This analysis examines how institutional factors such as problem definitions, decision-making structures, quality-control mechanisms, distribution of participants, and social accountability guide the production of useful information. This empirical exploration of knowledge production theories fosters an evaluation of existing models of knowledge production, including the linear model, use-inspired basic research, well-ordered science, post-normal science, and Mode 2 science. The ensuing discussion of results concludes that such ideas are either too broad in their prescriptions or not accurately descriptive enough to guide formation of federal research programs that can contribute to usable science and technology products.