The Interdependence of Science and Business

From new drugs and energy production to computer chip technology science has laid the foundation for many of the world’s biggest technological breakthroughs. However, while innovation drives the field of science, business is all about making money and keeping shareholders happy. Business and science were traditionally thought of as two distinct worlds. However, they are inextricably linked and it is impossible to discern the impact of research in science from its business implications.

While the business world is principally focused on making money, its longer-term effects could be significant for the environment, social and economic consequences. Science is also concerned about the impacts of its http://scorbe.de/what-is-physics/ actions and decisions, specifically those pertaining to resource exploitation and sustainability. A wise business, for instance will use a natural resource at an amount that science deems as sustainable, but the greed of a few businesses has resulted in over-exploitation and environmental catastrophe.

We have coded the intended outcomes and consequences of these strategies. (TL was the first to do the coding, and AG coded 20% of the papers). We found that companies employ five macro-level strategies to reduce the perceived credibility of unfavourable scientific findings and to increase the credibility of positive research findings. These strategies are implemented using meso-strategies, which over time skew evidence in favour of the industry. This leads to three distal outcomes-to cast doubt on the potential harms caused by industry products and practices, to encourage policies that favor industry, and to maximise consumption, use and sales of products and services, thus maximising profits for corporates.

Written by Roberto Contreras