Promissory identitites published 2016.pdf (220.26 kB)
Promissory identities: sociotechnical representations & innovation in regenerative medicine
Version 2 2023-06-12, 08:37
Version 1 2023-06-09, 04:45
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 08:37 authored by John Gardner, Ruchi Higham, Alex Faulkner, Andrew WebsterThe field of regenerative medicine (RM) is championed as a potential source of curative treatments and economic wealth, and initiatives have been launched in several countries to facilitate innovation within the field. As a way of examining the social dimensions of innovation within regenerative medicine, this paper explores the sociotechnical representations of RM technologies in the UK, and the tensions, affordances and complexities these representations present for actors within the field. Specifically, the paper uses the Science and Technology Studies-inspired notions of ‘technology identity’ and ‘development space’ to examine how particular technologies are framed and positioned by actors, and how these positionings subsequently shape innovation pathways. Four developing RM technologies are used as case studies: bioengineered tracheas; autologous chondrocyte implantation; T-cell therapies; and a ‘point-of-care’ cell preparation device. Using these case studies we argue that there are particular identity aspects that have powerful performative effects and provide momentum to innovation projects, and we argue that there are particular stakeholders in the UK RM landscape who appear to have considerable power in shaping these technology identities and thus innovation pathways.
Funding
Regenerative medicine and its potential for development and diffusion: an analysis of emergent value systems and health service readiness; G1398; ESRC-ECONOMIC & SOCIAL RESEARCH COUNCIL; R15474 - ES/L002779/1
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Social Science and MedicineISSN
0277-9536Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Volume
174Page range
70-78Department affiliated with
- International Relations Publications
Research groups affiliated with
- Centre for Global Health Policy Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2017-01-16First Open Access (FOA) Date
2017-01-16First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2017-01-16Usage metrics
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