Introduction

Abstract

This chapter, as a general introduction, situates the transformations of epistemic governance in education and the way in which some actors are shaping new knowledge which is in turn impacting on other actors in charge of implementing this knowledge in the context of the decision-making process and practice. It describes knowledge-based and evidence-based technologies producing new modes of representation, cognitive categories and value-based judgements determining and guiding actions and interactions between researchers, experts and policymakers. It presents some major social theories and concepts to analyse this transformation of the relationship between educational and social sciences and politics. Epistemic governance concerns transformations of academic capitalism and the ways in which academics, engaged in heterogeneous networks, are capable of developing new interactions as well as facing new trials imposed by the changing conditions of producing knowledge in their scientific community and within their institutions.