Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 686-697 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Science and Public Policy |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Oct 2013 |
Abstract
Research institutes generate knowledge that contributes to the progress of science and society. Thus, they display certain specific organizational characterizations. This paper examines the variations in the descriptions of German extra-university research institutes by using a qualitative content analysis. It investigates the mission statements and self-descriptions from Max Planck institutes, Fraunhofer institutes, and government research agencies related to the material sciences in order to discuss differences among the institutes and to understand how they cope with external expectations. The findings reveal that the missions of the scientific associations tend to highlight scientific and other orientations. Those research institutes open to scientific communication and non-scientific problems tend to associate with non-scientific orientations. Based on these findings, I argue that external assessments of research institutes should pay attention to the organizations' self-description and asserted connections to science and society. The use of this perspective should minimize conflicts concerning the appropriate representation of such institutes.
Keywords
- Mission statements, Organizational descriptions, Qualitative content analysis, Research institutes
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Sciences(all)
- Geography, Planning and Development
- Social Sciences(all)
- Public Administration
- Environmental Science(all)
- Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
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In: Science and Public Policy, Vol. 40, No. 5, 01.10.2013, p. 686-697.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Mission statements and self-descriptions of german extra-university research institutes
T2 - A qualitative content analysis
AU - Philipps, Axel
N1 - Funding information: *Figures in this line indicate state-warranted financial support. The state finances basic needs and research budgets for MPG institutes and GRAs. External funding offers additional resources. The state finances FhG institutes with up to 33% of their total budget. The support depends on external funding obtained from public and industrial actors.
PY - 2013/10/1
Y1 - 2013/10/1
N2 - Research institutes generate knowledge that contributes to the progress of science and society. Thus, they display certain specific organizational characterizations. This paper examines the variations in the descriptions of German extra-university research institutes by using a qualitative content analysis. It investigates the mission statements and self-descriptions from Max Planck institutes, Fraunhofer institutes, and government research agencies related to the material sciences in order to discuss differences among the institutes and to understand how they cope with external expectations. The findings reveal that the missions of the scientific associations tend to highlight scientific and other orientations. Those research institutes open to scientific communication and non-scientific problems tend to associate with non-scientific orientations. Based on these findings, I argue that external assessments of research institutes should pay attention to the organizations' self-description and asserted connections to science and society. The use of this perspective should minimize conflicts concerning the appropriate representation of such institutes.
AB - Research institutes generate knowledge that contributes to the progress of science and society. Thus, they display certain specific organizational characterizations. This paper examines the variations in the descriptions of German extra-university research institutes by using a qualitative content analysis. It investigates the mission statements and self-descriptions from Max Planck institutes, Fraunhofer institutes, and government research agencies related to the material sciences in order to discuss differences among the institutes and to understand how they cope with external expectations. The findings reveal that the missions of the scientific associations tend to highlight scientific and other orientations. Those research institutes open to scientific communication and non-scientific problems tend to associate with non-scientific orientations. Based on these findings, I argue that external assessments of research institutes should pay attention to the organizations' self-description and asserted connections to science and society. The use of this perspective should minimize conflicts concerning the appropriate representation of such institutes.
KW - Mission statements
KW - Organizational descriptions
KW - Qualitative content analysis
KW - Research institutes
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84885772681&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1093/scipol/sct024
DO - 10.1093/scipol/sct024
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84885772681
VL - 40
SP - 686
EP - 697
JO - Science and Public Policy
JF - Science and Public Policy
SN - 0302-3427
IS - 5
ER -