The place of the technological sciences within the scientific system

Project description

Sciences possess both a cognitive and a social component. On the one hand, they are knowledge systems (i.e. a body of knowledge that has been obtained using the scientific method and that is also subject to review using this same method), while on the other hand they are also communities of researchers and teachers (institutions such as university departments, research institutes, professional associations and organisations, and industrial R&D facilities). The technological sciences have a strong focus on practical technological applications. This means that they form a distinct group that differs from the humanities and natural sciences in terms of subject matter, goals, methods and institutions.

In practice, the place of the technological sciences within the wider scientific system is nevertheless frequently questioned. It is hoped the acatech recommendations based on the working group’s findings will help to clarify and define exactly what the technological sciences are in a way that prompts funding agencies, project partners and third-party funders to recognise them as a valid branch of science.