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The Integrative Expert: Moral, Epistemic, and Poietic Virtues in Transformation Research

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  • Michael Poznic

    (Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlstraße 11, D-76133 Karlsruhe, Germany)

  • Erik Fisher

    (School for the Future of Innovation in Society, College of Global Futures, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 87587, USA)

Abstract

Over the past 50 years, policy makers have sought to shape new and emerging technologies in light of societal risks, public values, and ethical concerns. While much of this work has taken place during “upstream” research prioritization and “downstream” technology regulation, the actual “midstream” work of engineers and other technical experts has increasingly been seen as a site for governing technology in society. This trend towards “socio-technical integration” is reflected in various governance frameworks such as Sustainable Development (SD), Technology Assessment (TA), and Responsible Innovation (RI) that are at the center of transformation research. Discussions around SD, TA, and RI often focus on meso- and macro-level processes and dynamics, with less attention paid to the qualities of individuals that are needed to support transformation processes. We seek to highlight the importance of micro-level practices by drawing attention to the virtues of technical experts. Drawing on empirical study results from embedding philosophical-reflective dialogues within science and engineering laboratories, we claim that poietic, as well as moral and epistemic, virtues belong to those required of technical experts who foster integrative practices in transformation research.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Poznic & Erik Fisher, 2021. "The Integrative Expert: Moral, Epistemic, and Poietic Virtues in Transformation Research," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-11, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:18:p:10416-:d:638481
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Flipse, Steven M. & van der Sanden, Maarten C.A. & Osseweijer, Patricia, 2014. "Improving industrial R&D practices with social and ethical aspects: Aligning key performance indicators with social and ethical aspects in food technology R&D," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 185-197.
    2. Rodríguez, Hannot & Fisher, Erik & Schuurbiers, Daan, 2013. "Integrating science and society in European Framework Programmes: Trends in project-level solicitations," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 42(5), pages 1126-1137.
    3. Chokri Kooli, 2020. "The philosophy of education in the Sultanate of Oman: between conservatism and modernism," International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 13(3), pages 233-245.
    4. Richard Owen & Phil Macnaghten & Jack Stilgoe, 2012. "Responsible research and innovation: From science in society to science for society, with society," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 39(6), pages 751-760, December.
    5. Fisher, Erik, 2019. "Governing with ambivalence: The tentative origins of socio-technical integration," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(5), pages 1138-1149.
    6. Wang, Qian & Zhang, Wei & Zhu, Qin, 2015. "Directing engineering ethics training toward practical effectiveness," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 65-68.
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    Cited by:

    1. Leonhard Hennen & Jürgen Kopfmüller & Maria Maia & Linda Nierling & Constanze Scherz, 2023. "Ways towards Transformation—Conceptual Approaches and Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-27, October.

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