Trading zones and boundary objects: To the typology

Abstract

Based on the concept of boundary objects and gift exchange, the article proposes a classification of trading zones. Boundary objects are material or abstract objects that are used by various social groups. Following from their joint use, it is possible to build a common field of understanding. The exchange of gifts, such as knowledge, skills, various competencies, and material and technical resources, starts the process of forming trading zones, i. e. spaces of coordination of activities and beliefs of various social groups. Based on the analysis of the concepts of boundary objects and the exchange of gifts, three types of trading zones can be distinguished. In the first type, the exchange takes place within the scientific community boundary objects function as objects of science, and participants in the trading zone have a similar institutional status. In the second, the exchange of gifts takes place between scientists and non-scientists who aspire to become scientists. Scientists have institutional advantages here, since they can bring their scientific knowledge as a gift, while non-scientists are only able to accept this gift. In response, they can share solely the cultural elements of scientific knowledge. However, partly these elements are already built in the knowledge of scientists. The third type again implies the interaction of scientists and non-scientists, but here both have a similar institutional status. The main task of trading zones of this type is the formation of associations and alliances between social actors of various types to meet joint interests. In this case, boundary objects are used on equal terms both as scientific and sociocultural entities.