Science Policy and Social Justice

Developing an enhanced linkage for the science-driven change of the

21st century

U8400, U.S. Science and Technology PolicyApril 19, 2001

Science is a Principal Driver of Change

Social change

Internet

Environmental change

Climate

National securitychange

Weapons of mass

destruction

Economic change

Science-based economy

President Dwight D. Eisenhower1953, First Inaugural Address

Man’s power to achieve good or to inflict evil surpasses the brightest hopes and the sharpest fears of all ages. We can turn rivers in their courses, level mountains to the plains. Oceans and land and sky are avenues for our colossal commerce. Disease diminishes and life lengthens. Yet the promise of this life is imperiled by the very genius that has made it possible. Nations amass wealth. Labor sweats to create, and turns out devices to level not only mountains but also cities. Science seems ready to confer upon us, as its final gift, the power to erase human life from this planet.

Broad Impact of Outcomes

Limited Federal Policy

Narrow Impact of Outcomes

Strong Federal/Collective Policy

1990s1980s1970s1960s1950s

1945The Endless Frontier

1915NCAC

1860sMorill Act

1830sTelegraph

~1825Coastal Survey

1804West Point

1803Lewis& Clark

1789Constitutional Design

Aviation Industry Creation

EnhancingAgricultural Economy

Stimulating Innovationin Communication

Commerce Enhancement

Property Protection

Exploration/Military

Evolutionary Steps in Science Policy

Broad Impact of Outcomes

Limited Federal Policy

Narrow Impact of Outcomes

Strong Federal/Collective Policy

1787Constitutional Debate on National University

1840s-60s Smithsonian Debate

1880s Dept. of Science

1930s Dept. of Science

1930s Henry WallaceVision

1950s KilgoreVision

1990s George Brown

Proposed or Theorized Concepts for Science Policy

Science for the Nation

Thinking Ahead, Looking Back

Organizingthe Nation

Organizing the Nation, Again

Socialist Science Equitable Science

Science and Social Justice

Science Policy is the Key Variable

Given the impact of science, science policy is the critical variable and yet almost entirely ignored.

We are being propelled into this new century with no plan, no control, no brakes.

Bill JoyCo-founder and Chief Scientist, Sun Microsystems

1945 Policy Design: Science the Endless Frontier

Science as a public goodAutonomy of scientistsImportance of basic research

Fundamental knowledge Performed without thought of practical ends Pacemaker of technical progress

Foundations of Science Policy

Republic of Science

Market Failure Model

Unpredictability

Possible Foundations of Science Policy

Democratic Science

Sociotechnical Outcomes Model

Prediction with Uncertainty

Focus on American Science Policy

American science is the prototype Most basic research is funded by the U.S.

In 2000, total R&D expenditures in the United States reached $233.0 billion.

U.S. R&D investments continue to outdistance, by more than 2–to–1, R&D investments made in Japan, the second largest R&D-performing country.

The U.S. spent more money on R&D activities in 1999 than any other country. The U.S. spent as much by itself as the rest of the G-7 countries—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom—combined.

Current Approach to Science Policy: Internal Focus

Input-driven processAddresses

Conduct of S&T Products and processes of S&T

Assumes All societal outcomes will be positive Linear model of innovation and societal benefit

INPUTS Processes Products Outcomes

Indications of Societal Transformation

Genetically-modified organisms (GMOs)

Development and distribution of AIDS drugs

Nanotechnology

Genetically-Modified Organisms (GMOs)

30 years of plant genetics research Enabling transgenic plant design Empowering industry and the market

Purpose of research Fundamental learning Productivity enhancement

Social implications considerations None before 1999

AIDS Drugs

Science program driven by alliance between fundamental scientists and US interest groups Origin of virus remains unaddressed Global nature remains unaddressed

Research program molecular in natureSocial implications considerations

Limited to nation state basis

Nanotechnology (the future)

Transformational technology (building at the scale of nature)

Economics-driven Replacing integrated circuit technology base

Social implications may be considered… but how? Lack of tools Lack of teams

Health Indicators

Health Attainment, 1999 Health Expenditures (Disability-adjusted life expectancy) as % of GDP

1. Japan (74.5) 7.1% 3. France (73.1) 9.8% 4. Sweden (73.0) 9.2%

12. Canada (72.0) 8.6%

14. U.K. (71.7) 5.8% 22. Germany (70.4) 10.5% 24. U.S. (70.0) 13.7% 96. Iran (60.5) 4.4%134. India (53.2) 5.2%

Source: WHO, The World Health Report 2000

Health vs. Wealth

Source: WHO, The World Health Report 2000

Conductof Science

EconomicOutcomes

S&TOutcomes

SocietalOutcomes

POLICY New industries

Tech transfer

Knowledge transfer

KnowledgeNetworks

New social structures

EducationNew skills

New institutions

Cycle Dynamics

Need Outcome-Driven Science Policy Framework

Increase quality and years of healthy life. Eliminate health disparities. (US Health and Human Services Dept)

Ensure a safe and affordable food supply. (US Agriculture Dept)

Foster a reliable energy system that is environmentally and economically sustainable. (US Energy Dept)

Reduce the impacts of hazards caused by natural processes and human actions. (US Interior Dept)

Science Policy Research Needs

New science policy indicatorsNew tools of evaluationNew vision for what science can bring

to our futureEducation of scientists and politiciansReplace Bush paradigm as outmoded

Perspectives

How does the science we decide to do affect the distribution and equity of outcomes?

How do programs we implement affect the distribution and equity of outcomes?

Morality and Science

What is the collective good that we want inquiry to promote?

Philip Kitcher, Professor of Philosophyin Science, Truth and Democracy, to be published, 2001