From democratization of knowledge to bridge building between science, technology and society

Abstract

For the past 20 years, the Quebec Government has monitored scientific and technical culture. This chapter reviews the situation, from the viewpoint of the Conseil de la science et de la technologie (the Science and Technology Council), showing how ideas about the culture have changed over that period. The changes are closely linked to scientific and technological development and the policies connected with it. Through the democratization of knowledge and the building of bridges between science, technology and society - processes that work in both directions - the official view of scientific and technical culture has been modified. Today, it is conceived as an interface, stimulating exchanges between scientists and other social actors. As a result, research is more attuned to community needs. Perspectives STS (science, technology, society) - a project initiated by the Science and Technology Council - illustrates this evolution. © 2008 Springer Netherlands.