Principal-Agent
Theory and the Structure of Science Policy
by
David Guston
The problem
of science policy is the problem of delegation. How do nonscientists
get scientists to do what we all, as citizens, have decided? An analytical
framework known as principal-agent theory is introduced to examine the
problems of delegation. A number of areas of empirical interest in science
policy are highlighted and recast as problems specific to delegatory
relationships. The implications of science as an agent of society are
addressed. The conclusion is that none of the values of science, such
as scientific autonomy or scientific truth, is threatened by taking
a principal-agent perspective on science.
The full text
of this article was published in the journal:
Science and Public Policy
Volume 23, Number 4
August 1996
Pages 229-240.
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