Research Area STARS - Science, Technology, Research & Society

From a social sciences' perspective science and technology policy has major implications not only for the economic development, but for social policy as well. This is, in an nutshell, the meaning of 'sustainability'.

From ICCR's foundation in 1986, research and science policies have been a focal research programme. The Centre, then still a laboratory, was one of the first social science institutions in Europe to recognise that the term ‘sustainability’ – at that time only used by biologists – relates to technology as much as to social sphere. The very first studies of the ICCR dealt with social participation in the innovation process; the responsiveness of science and research organisations to environmental change; and the social and environmental concerns relating to innovation.

Research, science and technology policy play an important role in the making of the European integration process. Furthermore, RTD became an important vehicle for the integration of the Accession Countries into the EU. The change of their status can be seen in their full participation in the 5th European Framework Programme.

The ICCR Society, Technology and Research programme STARS continues this tradition by addressing these questions. Further it is strongly committed to collaboration with Central and East European countries, an example of which is the Annual "Semmering S&T Forum" - the longest standing ICCR Forum – which has a strong East-West focus and brings together administrators and researchers from all over Europe.