A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 5816
Prof. Dr. Maja Bučar
Prof. Dr. Maja Bučar
Faculty of Social Science, University of Slovenia, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Interests: research and development policies and strategies; development; SDGs; evaluation of R&D and innovation policies and instruments
Throughout history, science and technology have influenced the direction and pace of socio-economic development. Today, with dynamic advances of science and new technological applications, the impact of S&T on economic development, especially in advanced economies, is significant, leading to exponential growth of investment in R&D and innovation. Often, the main motivation behind these investments is the improvement of the competitiveness of the national economies. At the same time, the world is facing a number of global challenges. These include the impact of climate change, protection of biodiversity, digital and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, sustainability of natural resources, food security, to distribution of global income and sustainable socio-economic development. The role of science and technology is essential in finding answers to these challenges. Yet, the key question is how to best support research, which will aim at these global challenges and provide input in sustainable socio-economic development. With the Sustainable Development Goals, the global community has set itself a type of development it wants to pursue. To succeed in this, the role of science and technology is the key, yet only if the scientific research places SDGs as its primary motivation.
The aim of this Special Issue is to explore what determines the focus of scientific research. With increased pressure on measurable outputs and commercialization of research results, is there room for research addressing societal challenges? How have developments in research ecosystems affected the settings of research priorities? Since global challenges are not an issue of a single discipline but require inter and transdisciplinary research, a question of appropriateness of the current research ecosystems is highly relevant: traditionally, the S&T system, the funding, the evaluation of proposed research and its impact assessment, and promotion criteria in research institutions have been based on a single disciplinary approach, leaving little room for new modes of research collaboration. Are there possible (largely unexplored) mechanisms to drive the direction of scientific research to respond better to the public benefit? In the past, we had theoretical and policy discussions on concepts such as appropriate technology, social shaping/ construction of science and technology, frugal innovation, etc., all looking for the orientation of science and technology towards topics important for socio-economic development. Can any of the lessons learnt be applied today to stimulate research focusing on sustainable development?
The Special Issue, among other topics, looks at the shaping of science and technology strategies and policies in response to sustainable development, identifying problems, possible solutions, and good practices in developed and developing countries. In this framework, contributions addressing the impact that local, national, and/or international policies on science and technologies have on the content and direction of scientific research are invited. What is the potential impact S&T may have on socio-economic sustainable development and where the barriers to increase societally relevant research are? How can we stimulate transdisciplinary research? How can we harness increased public–private partnerships in research to address topics related to sustainable development? Contributions with related arguments, in the form of both specialized and interdisciplinary manuscripts, are also welcomed.
I look forward to receiving your contributions.
Prof. Dr. Maja Bučar
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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