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Social R & D as a relational contract: Strategies for governing knowledge transactions

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Knowledge in Society

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Abstract

With intermittent federal support for social research and development (SR&R), potential users among state and local policymakers face a difficult dilemma over the future availability of useful research products. Two questions are central: 1) can inexpensive sources of SR&D be developed to replace federal ones and, more importantly, 2) will the states be able to influence the direction and content of this research so that it contains some measure of relevant and timely policy knowledge? This article translates these questions into the problem of developing an individualized strategy for governing publicly-funded SR&D. Two alternative approaches to understanding social R&D questions are considered, one centering on the research provider, and the other on governing the relationship between the sponsors and the providers of research. The intent of the analysis is to focus attention on the design of alternative arrangements for SR&D compatible with the needs and resources of the small-scale, public investor.

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Authors
  1. Stephen H. Linder
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Additional information

Stephen H. Linder is Research Associate Professor of Management and Policy Sciences with the School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, P.O. Box 20186, Houston TX 77225. He received his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Iowa and has taught at UCLA and Tulane University. His current research focuses on design issues in policy formulation and management.

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Linder, S.H. Social R & D as a relational contract: Strategies for governing knowledge transactions. Knowledge in Society 2, 25–41 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02687205

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