Internationalizing Science and Technology I

Session Submission Type: Traditional (Closed) Panel

Abstract

If we accept, with most STS scholarship, that science and technology are the outcome of heterogeneous networks that transcend the relatively fixed spaces where they are enacted (from laboratories to cities to national systems of innovation), then it seems difficult to consider their internationalization as a phenomenon worthy of study. Nevertheless, from pioneering works in the field, such as Shapin and Schaffer’s Leviathan and the Air Pump and Latour’s Science in Action, there is interest in exploring how knowledge changes when it travels from its place of production to others where it is used, appropriated, and eventually critically defied. In this open panel we want to analyze the current and seemingly unstoppable trend of knowledge internationalization by addressing issues such as (i) the international dimension of knowledge production in both social and natural sciences, (ii) the policies that encourage internationalization and the challenges they bring about, (iii) the effects of asymmetries in knowledge circulation, (iv) the role of materialities (e.g. instruments, standardized procedures, software, etc.) to dis/encourage internationalization, (v) the relevance of language(s), and (vi) the adaptations of researchers, research teams, and institutions to increasing pressures to internationalize their work by national and international funding agencies. We call together scholars from different disciplinary backgrounds, different geographical locations, and using a diverse range of theoretical and methodological approaches in order to problematize internationalization and to understand its macro and micro configurations.

Sub Unit

• 4S Annual Meeting

Chair

• Leandro Rodriguez Medina, Universidad de las Americas Puebla

Individual Presentations

• A Critical View on Fostering "Science": between Borders and Obstacles - Stefan Klein, Universidade de Brasilia (UnB)

• At the Periphery: International Collaboration Challenges of Return Migrants in India - Meghna Sabharwal; Roli Varma, University Of New Mexico

• Design and Making of Competitiveness in West Africa : Following World Bank "Experts" and "Technical Assistances" - Felix BOILEVE, CSI MinesParisTech

• The Internationalization of National Energy Research Groups: Network Formation and Political-Scientific Strategy - Victor Luiz Alves Mourao, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV-Brazil); Daniela Alves, Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Daniel Aparecido Cabral, Federal University of Viçosa (UFV-Brazil)

• How to Build a Modern Scientific Research Institute in China: A Case Study of National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing (NIBS) - LI ZHANG, National Aacademy of Innovation Strategy; HUI LUO, National Academy of Innovation Strategy,CAST; RUI CHEN, National Academy of Innovation Strategy,CAST