STS Perspectives on Isomorphism in National Science and Innovation Policies

Abstract

Looking across policies for research and innovation world-wide, it is hard not to be struck by a sense of familiarity in themes and foci. Whether in Europe, North America or China, the language of partnerships, science-led economic growth and global competitiveness is recurrent. In a famous paper from 1983, DiMaggio and Powell used the term ‘isomorphism’ to describe the general process of convergence and imitation across otherwise-different organizations. Whether in normative, coercive or mimetic form, the idea is that organizations, despite their various histories, strategies and perspectives, end up looking very much the same. However, STS scholarship has typically emphasized contextual difference, heterogeneity and variety over homogenization and standardisation.

What is the relationship between patterns of convergence and particularity within national policy processes? And how should STS relate to both science/innovation policy and institutional theory more generally? This panel draws together scholars from STS, research policy and organizational studies in order to reflect on the question of isomorphism in innovation policy but also the larger implications for theory and practice.

Chair

• Jane Bjørn Vedel, Copenhagen Business School

Individual Presentations

• Isomorphic Difference? - Alan Irwin, Copenhagen Business School

• Asymmetric Promises in Public Support for Science and Innovation - Robin Williams, The University of Edinburgh

• Enacting Isomorphism in Europe - Mats Benner, Lund University

• Pathways of Isomorphism: University Strategies in a Quest for Research Quality - Maria Nedeva, University of Manchester

• Isomorphic in “Content” and “Structure”, Different in “Acting” and “Reach”: State Policy Intervention in China - Xiaobai Shen, University of edinburgh

Session Organizers

• Alan Irwin, Copenhagen Business School

• Jane Bjørn Vedel, Copenhagen Business School