Motivations of Scientific Research in Society

Abstract

Science discovers the root causes of phenomena to explain and predict them in a context of adaptation of life to new economic and social bases, whereas scientific research is a systematic process, applying methods of scientific inquiry, to solve consequential problems, to satisfy human wants, to take advantage of important opportunities and/or to cope with environmental threats. This study shows that scientific research reflects social climate in which it is carried out and it is driven by social and economic interests of nations to achieve power, wealth creation, technological superiority, productivity growth, etc. A main implication of this study is scientific research is performed by nations to take advantage of important opportunities and/or to cope with environmental threats, such as in war. The empirical evidence seems in general to support the sources of scientific research described here. However, these conclusions are of course tentative. There is need for much more detailed theoretical and empirical research into the relations between science, society, economy and historical motivations.

Keywords: Science Progress; Scientific Research; Wealth Creation; Historical Motivations; Social Power; Economic War Potential; Scientific Superiority; Technological Superiority; Basic Research; Economics of Science; Science & Technology: R&D Investments; Labor Productivity

JEL Classification: N3; O30; O31; I23