Changing Paradigms and Institutional Models of Science and Technology Policies in Argentina (1958-1983)

FELD, ADRIANA

San Diego

Congreso; Annual Meeting of the Society for Social Studies of Science (4S); 2013

Society for Social Studies of Science

The aim of this paper is to analyze changes in paradigms and institutional models of S&T policies between 1958 and 1983 in Argentina, focusing on the two public agencies in charge of these policies: the CONICET (National Council for Scientific Research, created in 1958) and the SECyT (Secretary of S&T, created in 1968). Consequently, two periods will be compared: the first one, whose paradigm may be understood as "liberal" or "human resources centered", goes from 1958 to 1966; the second one, starting in 1966-67 and finishing in 1983, may be characterized as "technocratic" or "planned-orientated research". The concept of "paradigm of S&T policy" used here involves three main aspects: a) the way in which various actors understand and appreciate the social function of science and the relationships between science, technology and society (or development); b) mechanisms for public intervention on research activities, that are considered as ?legitimate? by different actors; and c) the involvement of knowledge and conceptual innovations in the design of institutions and intervention instruments. Taking into account the conceptualization pointed out, this work will aim to assess two different topics. First, the instruments, mechanisms for decision making and institutional models designed in both periods, and the results of the policies then implemented. Second, the contradictions between: a) the ideal dimensions that inspired new paradigms and institutional models and b) the correlation of forces among different local actors. These contradictions led, in many cases, to decouple policies from the original intention.