Research is a deeply human endeavor that must be nurtured to achieve its full potential. As with tending a garden, care must be taken to organize, plant, feed, and weed—and the manner in which this nurturing is done must be consistent with the nature of what is being nurtured.
In The Genesis of Technoscientific Revolutions, Venkatesh Narayana-murti and Jeffrey Tsao propose a new and holistic system, a rethinking of the nature and nurturing of research. They share lessons from their vast research experience in the physical sciences and engineering, as well as from perspectives drawn from the history and philosophy of science and technology, research policy and management, and the evolutionary biological, complexity, physical, and economic sciences.
Narayanamurti and Tsao argue that research is a recursive, reciprocal process at many levels: between science and technology; between questions and answer finding; and between the consolidation and challenging of conventional wisdom. These fundamental aspects of the nature of research should be reflected in how it is nurtured. To that end, Narayanamurti and Tsao propose aligning organization, funding, and governance with research; embracing a culture of holistic technoscientific exploration; and instructing people with care and accountability.
Filmed at the Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
Nancy Andrews, Former Dean, Duke Univ School of Medicine
“Highly accomplished researchers Narayanamurti and Tsao synthesize new and old ideas about how science and technology work together, sharing audacious insights that can improve research outcomes. This book will be a rewarding read for all who want to understand innovation and accelerate it.”
―John P. Holdren, former Science Advisor to President Obama and Senate-confirmed Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
“Essential reading. By integrating the previous work of leading science and technology scholars, creating new terminology, concepts, and logical structures, and including concrete examples, these two eminent leaders make a compelling case for rethinking how we understand and nurture research to advance the public good.”
―Laura Diaz Anadon, Chaired Professor of Climate Change Policy, University of Cambridge
“A thought-provoking journey. By transcending widespread but limiting beliefs, The Genesis of Technoscientific Revolutions explores how to better understand research and unleash its potential. Highly recommended for all policy makers and leaders interested in improving the effectiveness of research and developing high-performing research institutions.”
—Qi-Kun Xue, Director of the Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences
“Enlightening and important. Narayanamurti and Tsao demolish long-accepted tenets of science and technology research by exposing flaws, misconceptions, and anachronisms, then propose a visionary new framework. Invaluable for anyone leading a research enterprise, recruiting talent, or devising new funding mechanisms.”
―Nancy Andrews, former Dean of the Duke University School of Medicine
July 2022 book review on Twitter by Ben Reinhardt, host of the Idea Machines Podcast.
Book review by Hari Pulakkat, Editor of Shaastra, the science and technology magazine of the Indian Institute of Technology of Madras. "Pairing up," Vol 01 Issue 02, Mar-Apr 2022.
Book review by Michael Orthofer, founder of the complete review. 20 March 2022.
Book review by Andrew Tarantola, Senior Editor of engadget. "Hitting the Books: How the interplay of science and technology brought about iPhones," December 4, 2021.
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