RicePrior_Rev2_V3_ProofEdFinal.pdf (8.93 MB)
The relation between research priorities and societal demands: the case of rice
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 16:16 authored by Tommaso CiarliTommaso Ciarli, Ismael RàfolsTo what extent is scientific research related to societal needs? To answer this crucial question systematically we need to contrast indicators of research priorities with indicators of societal needs. We focus on rice research and technology between 1983 and 2012. We combine quantitative methods that allow investigation of the relation between ‘revealed’ research priorities and ‘revealed’ societal demands, measured respectively by research output (publications) and national accounts of rice use and farmers’ and consumers’ rice-related needs. We employ new bibliometric data, methods and indicators to identify countries’ main rice research topics (priorities) from publications. For a panel of countries, we estimate the relation between revealed research priorities and revealed demands. We find that, across countries and time, societal demands explain a country's research trajectory to a limited extent. Some research priorities are nicely aligned to societal demands, confirming that science is partly related to societal needs. However, we find a relevant number of misalignments between the focus of rice research and revealed demands, crucially related to human consumption and nutrition. We discuss some implications for research policy.
Funding
Revealing Innovation Pathways; US National Science Foundation; 1064146
Mapping the Dynamics of Emerging Technologies:; G0499; ESRC-ECONOMIC & SOCIAL RESEARCH COUNCIL; ES/I015019/1
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Research PolicyISSN
0048-7333Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Issue
4Volume
48Page range
949-967Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2018-12-18First Open Access (FOA) Date
2020-06-04First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2018-12-18Usage metrics
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