The Science, Technology and Innovation Studies (STIS) team at CWTS started their work in 2017. At first there were just three of us: Robert Tijssen, Alfredo Yegros and Jos Winnink. Spurred by the expansion and diversification of the CWTS research portfolio, the interest in the STIS research program also waxed during recent years. Seven new researchers have joined the team in 2018 and 2019: Gaston Heimeriks, Ismael Rafols, Peter Van Dongen, Ton Van Raan, Rodrigo Costas, Soohong Eum and Erik van Wijk.
The STIS research program was overdue for upgrading and upscaling, not only to manage our increase in workforce, fit in the mix of disciplinary backgrounds and interests, but also to accommodate the influx of new research ideas. On January 16th 2020, the extended STIS group assembled to discuss the launch of our consolidated ‘STIS 2020-2022’ research program, which adopts an STI ecosystem approach and comprises three newly developed research lines:
- STI knowledge bases - societal challenges and transformation of complex systems;
- Geographic and economic studies of research activity and scientific impact;
- Unfolding the human factor in science and innovation.
The overarching objectives of STIS 2020-2022 are: (a) conduct high-quality research; (b) generate meaningful impact in global science and beyond; (c) further develop the STIS-related information infrastructures at CWTS; (d) contribute to CWTS research networks.
Broadening its scope and scale, this new program aims to capture a wider range of practical issues and policy-relevant research questions, as well as address a wider range of analytical challenges.
Although the new program is designed to be more open to qualitative research approaches, the main thrust is still on the development and application of models and methodologies for quantitative analysis of empirical data. While studying a significantly wider range of STI topics, many of its research projects will therefore continue to be data-informed or data-driven – ranging from evidence-based studies of ‘people and places’ to innovative approaches for metrics-based monitoring and evaluation of STI performance.
Most projects involve some degree of scientific cooperation – either with other STIS colleagues, those active within other CWTS research units, or partners outside CWTS. Each research line consists of several projects, where one or more the STIS members act as project leader or (co-)supervisor.
STIS 2020-2022 will remain closely linked to the Science and Innovation Studies chair at CWTS.
For more information about STIS 2020-2022 and its research activities, please consult the CWTS-STIS web page or contact Prof. Robert Tijssen.