Toward Effective Accumulation of Case Studies

Abstract

Activities of the Japan Society for Science Policy and Research Management in early periods were focused on recommendations on science and technology policy rather than establishment of an original knowledge system based on theoretical and empirical analyses. However, the 1990s saw a general shift of subjects of the publications at the annual meeting from reviews or recommendations to case studies on specific technology development projects. This will facilitate identification of factors contributing to the success or failure of the projects, which will then be utilized in the development and management of technology. For such developments to occur, a vocabulary should be offered for mutual understanding of different organizations and industrial sectors. Such a framework is a prerequisite for exploitation in future of accumulated experiences, and will help presentations and criticism of new concepts. In this process the priority of research should be respected through accurate citations.