La teoría principal-agente en los estudios de ciencia y tecnología = Principal-Agent Theory in Science and Tecnology Studies Articles uri icon

authors

  • FERNANDEZ CARRO, JOSE REMO

published in

publication date

  • August 2009

start page

  • 809

end page

  • 824

issue

  • 738

volume

  • 185

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0210-1963

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1988-303X

abstract

  • This paper introduces principal-agent theory and its recent application in science and technology studies. First, the text describes the theory itself and its developments in economics and political science. The paper examines the way these disciplines have used it to explain research related issues. Then, it presents specific applications of the theory to science and technology studies. Thepaper suggests that the Principal-Agent Theory is related to classical theories of the discipline, of which it is sometimes merely a formalization.It proposes, finally, that the theory weaknesses are due to its misuse and its limited development rather than to its real potential, judging by its successful application in other social sciences.

keywords

  • teoría de principal-agente; estudios de ciencia y tecnología; políticas de investigación; ciencia política; sociología