Limits of change: cognitive constraints on "postmodernization'' and the political redirection of science

The debate about revitalization of the finalization theory was documented i n 1997 in Social Science Information, It hinted at a worthwhile methodologi cal idea that could be useful in current debates on science-society relatio nships. Finalization theory asked whether a field's cognitive state constra ins research policy attempts to direct the field toward applications. Since the difficulties faced in answering this question are at least partly dire to the level of analysis; this article proposes refocusing finalization th eory on the micro-level of research processes and research trails. On the b asic dan empirical analysis, the cognitive links between basic research and contexts of applications are explored. Five types of basic research tan be distinguished by their various cognitive links to contexts of application. Scientists' opportunities to change the links between their basic research and applications are discussed Analysis an the micro-level enables conclus ions to be drawn about (Ii the scope of hypotheses about changer in knowled ge-production and (2) constraints on institutional pressure pr basic resear ch to contribute to societal welfare.