Scientific research is undergoing a change in its relationship to society. This is especially true of cases in which the results of research are controversial because some sections of society fear the results of non-approved application while others applaud the possibility of scientific progress. In such discussions experts find themselves falling into biased roles because decisions regarding social acceptance or legal rulings about them have immediate consequences for their scientific paradigmas. A typical example of such a conflict is stem cell research. In particular embryonic stem cell research and its implementation are judged controversially since, on the one hand, it is feared that a violation of ethical norms takes place through the use of a human life for research and on the other hand, it is argued that only through embryonic stem cell research can innovative therapies for up until now incurable diseases be provided.

These controversies are occurring less and less frequently on the national level only. Researchers work together across borders, patients inquire about therapies in other countries and research results are used beyond national borders. National laws no longer suffice in defining the limits of admissable action since these can always be avoided by shifting to other countries with less restrictive rules. This process cannot, however, be understood as 'globalization' since due to the availability of scientific knowledge and capacities to apply it, it does not take place in exactly the same way all over the world. Further, it cannot be understood as 'internationalization' since it does not have to do with relationships to neighboring countries nor with processes that concern several countries. Instead, one can speak of 'transnationalization'. With this term a process is meant which is equally relevant in different places in different countries. At any one time individual localities, not entire countries, are concerned since the knowledge which is necessary in order to carry out the controversial technologies is concentrated locally.

Two hypotheses are at the core of this research project:

•  A process of transnationalization may be seen in the controversy on stem cell research.

•  Transnationalization affects the formation of national and international political opinion via stem cell research and through this has an effect on the regulations regarding stem cell research.

To test the first hypothesis a broad analysis of highly differing channels of transnationalization of participants in stem cell research is carried out in order to show which channels are used by whom. This investigation includes in particular:

•  A bibliometric study of scientific co-publications,

•  An analysis of cooperations and patents in order to identify economic relationships or respectively combined economic-scientific relationships,

•  An online investigation of non-government organizations

•  An analysis of documents regarding official cross-border legal rulings and agreements and

•  An analysis of the media regarding transnationally relevant publications.

In order to delimit the area of transnational relationships, the study examines already existing cooperations of German researchers with four countries ( USA , Great Britain , France and Israel ). In particular cases, however, the study will be expanded to include links to localities in other countries such as China and Singapore in which results of stem cell research have gained high significance in recent years.

The second hypothesis deals with the formation of political opinion on the national and international levels. It is examined in three ways:

•  Through an analysis of documents of political decision-making processes concerning the regulation of embryonic stem cell research in four countries (Germany, Great Britain, France, USA) and in two inter- and supranational institutions (European Union, United Nations)

•  A questionaire of participants regarding the role that transnational linkages play in political decision-making, for example the threatening potential of researchers who work transnationally or the potential of international coalitions to hinder research

•  An analysis of the consequences of empirically confirmed transnational affiliations on political processes and outcomes.

This study will be carried out in cooperation with research partners in neighboring European countries. The bibliometric analysis will be done at the Institute for Science and Technology Research (IWT) at Bielefeld University .

 

Duration: 01.08.2004 – 31.12.2006

 

Conferences

Transnationalisierung der Stammzellforschung – Workshop durchgeführt vom Projekt »Transnationalisierung« von Prof. Wink, 29./30.09.2005 in Bochum

 

Further reading

- Junold, Robert (2006): »Transnationalisierung der Wissenskommunikation: Deutsche Printmedien als Wissensüberträger im Stammzelldiskurs.« In: Rüdiger Wink (Hg.): Deutsche Stammzellpolitik im Zeitalter der Transnationalisierung. Baden-Baden, S. 101-118.

- Wink, Rüdiger (Hg.) (2006): Deutsche Stammzellpolitik im Zeitalter der Transnationalisierung. Baden-Baden.

- Wink, Rüdiger (2006): »Transnationalisierung und Standortwettbewerb in der Stammzellforschung.« In: Rüdiger Wink (Hg.): Deutsche Stammzellpolitik im Zeitalter der Transnationalisierung. Baden-Baden, S. 179-192.

- Wink, Rüdiger / Junold, Robert (2006): »Nurturing the Stem Cell Business: Lessons from the Recombinant Drugs Markets?« In: International Journal of Biotechnology, Jg. 8 / H. 3/4, S. 187-205.