La teoría de principalagente en los estudios de ciencia y tecnología

Abstract

This paper introduces principal-agent theory and its recent application in science and technology studies. First, the text describes the theory itself and its developments in economics and political science. The paper examines the way these disciplines have used it to explain research related issues. Then, it presents specific applications of the theory to science and technology studies. The paper suggests that the Principal-Agent Theory is related to classical theories of the discipline, of which it is sometimes merely a formalization. It proposes, finally, that the theory weaknesses are due to its misuse and its limited development rather than to its real potential, judging by its successful application in other social sciences.