Publication Date
1993
Description
The relationships between agricultural science, invention, production and consumption are conventionally considered in a hierarchical model with consumption at the basis and science at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. -Two important shortcomings of that model as a basis for organising and manag\ng agricultural research are identified. First, the model does not specify how the direction and intensity of research Is guided in the absence of markets for the outputs from research. Second, the model does not identify the flows of specific information from the consumption and agricultural production sphere to the research sphere where such information is crucial for the successful conduct of applied agricultural research, An alternative conceptual framework for agricultural research is explored that considers research as a problem-solving activity which exploits general scientific knowledge as well as specific practical knowledge. Implications of a problem solving perspective for the organisation and management of agricultural research are discussed.
Citation
Mueller, Rolf A.E, "The Product of Science" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 16.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session15/16
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
The Product of Science
The relationships between agricultural science, invention, production and consumption are conventionally considered in a hierarchical model with consumption at the basis and science at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. -Two important shortcomings of that model as a basis for organising and manag\ng agricultural research are identified. First, the model does not specify how the direction and intensity of research Is guided in the absence of markets for the outputs from research. Second, the model does not identify the flows of specific information from the consumption and agricultural production sphere to the research sphere where such information is crucial for the successful conduct of applied agricultural research, An alternative conceptual framework for agricultural research is explored that considers research as a problem-solving activity which exploits general scientific knowledge as well as specific practical knowledge. Implications of a problem solving perspective for the organisation and management of agricultural research are discussed.
