The Interdependence of Science and Business
From new therapies for drugs and energy production to the development of computer chips, science has provided the basis for many of the world’s greatest technological breakthroughs. However, while innovation is what drives the field of science, business is all about making profit and keeping shareholders satisfied. Science and business were traditionally viewed as two separate worlds. But, they are inextricably linked and it is impossible to separate the impact of scientific research from its business impacts.
While the business world is principally focused on earning money, its long-term consequences can be significant for the environment, social and economic repercussions. Science is concerned about the repercussions of its decisions, especially its decisions regarding the exploitation of resources and sustainable development. A wise business, for instance will use natural resources at the level that scientists consider as sustainable. However, the http://scorbe.de greed of a few businesses has resulted in over-exploitation and ecological disaster.
We have coded the desired outcomes and effects of these strategies. (TL was the first to do the coding and AG coded 20% of the papers). We found that corporations use five macro-level strategies which work in tandem to reduce the perceived credibility of skeptical science and to increase the value of favourable science. These strategies are operationalised through meso-strategies that, over time alter evidence in favor of the industry. This has three distal effects to discredit the harms that could be caused by products and practices; to push policy responses that are in favour of industry; and also to increase consumption, sales and use of industrial products.