The Epigenetic Research Program (ERP): A Transdisciplinary Approach for the Dynamics of Knowledge, Society - and Beyond

Abstract: With the "epigenetic approach", an entire research program has been set up which is devoted to the study of "knowledge-based processes" in human societies - and beyond. More concretely, an epigenetic approach has been built up in which twodifferent areas are addressed and dealt with simultaneously, namely theoretical foundations for the analysis of "knowledge based processes" and a comparatively large number of empirical applications, ranging from the study of organizations to the level of "National Innovation Systems". Moreover, the emphasis on "knowledge and information societies" is not motivated by current reconfigurations via communication and information technologies or the expansion of "knowledge generating capacities" beyond the confines of traditional universities or research institutes. Likewise, "knowledge and information societies" are not conceptualized as a stage beyond socio-economic inequality, contrasting it, for example, to traditional "class societies", but, once again, as a theoretical approach which offers new insights into the basic structure of current societal disparities.