| Abstract: |
Why do nations produce scientific research? This is a fundamental problem in
the field of social studies of science. The paper confronts this question here
by showing vital determinants of science to explain the sources of social
power and wealth creation by nations. Firstly, this study suggests a new
general definition of science and scientific research that synthetizes
previous concepts and endeavors to extend them: Science discovers the root
causes of phenomena to explain and predict them in a context of adaptation of
life to new economic and social bases, whereas scientific research is a
systematic process, applying methods of scientific inquiry, to solve
consequential problems, to satisfy human wants, to take advantage of important
opportunities and/or to cope with environmental threats. In particular,
science and scientific research are driven by an organized social effort that
inevitably reflect the concerns and interests of nations to achieve advances
and discoveries that are spread to the rest of humankind. This study reveals
that scientific research is produced for social and economic interests of
nations (power, wealth creation, technological superiority, etc.), rather than
philosophical inquiries. A main implication of this study is that the immense
growth of science in modern society is not only due to activity of scientists
but rather to general social efforts of nations to take advantage of important
opportunities and/or to cope with environmental threats, such as war.
Empirical evidence endeavors to support the sources of scientific research for
nations, described here. Finally, relationships between R&D investment and
productivity, and research policy implications are discussed. |