Professors Arie Rip (Philosophy and Technology, University of Twente) and Harro van Lente (Philosophy and Emerging Technologies, Utrecht University) will give back to back talks followed by prepared comments by our very own Martin Kenney, Joe Dumit, and Mario Biagioli.

Arip Rip:"Responsible Research and Innovation: A new policy fashion or a sign that the times are a-changing?"

Abstract: TBA

Harro van Lente: "Expectations and Innovation: How promises shape technological trajectories"

Abstract: The notion of technological trajectories is a central contribution of innovation studies. It refers to the cumulative nature of decisions and technical configurations, which may eventually solidify into dominant designs. In this lecture I will argue that technological expectations are also cumulative and self-referential, and, as a consequence, may also lead to trajectories. And as expectations often precede actual investments and innovation activities, the emergence of dominant designs may occur before market introduction. In this lecture I will highlight the lessons of the sociology of expectations and discuss the manifold relationships with the notion of trajectory. I will refer to case studies on nanotechnology and on hydrogen as an energy carrier.

Lunch provided: Please RSVP here: http://tinyurl.com/Rip-vanLente

For more information about Dr. Rip, click here and for Dr. van Lente, here.

This special event is co-sponsored by the Center for Science and Innovation Studies and the Program in Science and Technology Studies