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Science policy as discourse: The governance of nanotechnology in the United Kingdom

Wienroth, Matthias; Kearnes, Matthew

Authors

Matthias Wienroth

Matthew Kearnes



Contributors

Ulrich Fiedeler
Editor

Christopher Coenen
Editor

Sarah R. Davies
Editor

Arianna Ferrari
Editor

Abstract

Nanotechnology has emerged in the UK on the back of two key discourses that have driven the governance of the field: the knowledge-based economy and the risk debate. These two discourses have been articulated on pre-existing national structures, leading to the lack of a central national nanotechnology strategy. Instead, a range of intermediary actors, such as the Research Councils, have emerged as key actors here. Particularly the EPSRC has acted as ‘cultural translator’ through the field of nanotechnology, reinterpreting societal-challenge lead considerations into a defence for the autonomy of basic science. In this paper we suggest a national distinctiveness of nanotechnology governance in the UK, and explore the role of discourses and EPSRC in this characteristic development.

Citation

Wienroth, M., & Kearnes, M. (2010). Science policy as discourse: The governance of nanotechnology in the United Kingdom. In U. Fiedeler, C. Coenen, S. R. Davies, & A. Ferrari (Eds.), Understanding nanotechnology : philosophy, policy and publics (101-120). AKA Verlag

Publication Date Sep 1, 2010
Deposit Date Oct 11, 2010
Pages 101-120
Book Title Understanding nanotechnology : philosophy, policy and publics.
Keywords Science policy, discourse, intermediary, knowledge-based economy, risk, cultural translator
Publisher URL http://www.aka-verlag.com/

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