Scientists' response to societal impact policies: A policy paradox

TY - JOUR

T1 - Scientists' response to societal impact policies: A policy paradox

AU - de Jong, S.

AU - Smit, Jorrit

AU - van Drooge, L.

PY - 2016

Y1 - 2016

N2 - Many countries have amended legislation and introduced policies to stimulate universities to transfer their knowledge to society. The effects of these policies on scientists are relatively unexplored. We employ principal–agent theory to increase our understanding of the relationship between impact policies and scientific practice. Our methodology includes the analysis of policy documentsand of data gathered in focus groups. We conclude that there is a gap between policy on the one hand and how scientists perceive it on the other. Policy documents put forward a broad notion of impact, but scientists perceive them as focusing too narrowly on commercial impacts. Scientists are further puzzled by how societal impact is evaluated and organised, and their perceptions frametheir behaviour. Our policy recommendations focus on improving the interaction between intermediaries, such as universities and research councils, and scientists so as to include the latter’s perspective in policy-making.

AB - Many countries have amended legislation and introduced policies to stimulate universities to transfer their knowledge to society. The effects of these policies on scientists are relatively unexplored. We employ principal–agent theory to increase our understanding of the relationship between impact policies and scientific practice. Our methodology includes the analysis of policy documentsand of data gathered in focus groups. We conclude that there is a gap between policy on the one hand and how scientists perceive it on the other. Policy documents put forward a broad notion of impact, but scientists perceive them as focusing too narrowly on commercial impacts. Scientists are further puzzled by how societal impact is evaluated and organised, and their perceptions frametheir behaviour. Our policy recommendations focus on improving the interaction between intermediaries, such as universities and research councils, and scientists so as to include the latter’s perspective in policy-making.

KW - third mission

KW - valorisation

KW - societal impact

KW - focus groups

KW - principal–agent theory

U2 - 10.1093/scipol/scv023

DO - 10.1093/scipol/scv023

M3 - Article

SN - 0302-3427

VL - 43

SP - 102

EP - 114

JO - Science and Public Policy

JF - Science and Public Policy

IS - 1

ER -