How does science advance? Theories of the evolution of science

Abstract. This study presents different theories of the evolution of science to explain how science and its scientific fields evolve over the course of time. In particular, this study clarifies, as far as possible, models and properties of the scientific development to understand structure, dynamics and drivers of the scientific and technological evolution in society.Keywords. Scientific development, Evolution of science, Scientific research, Structure of science, Research fields, Economics of science, Political economy of science, Technological change, Research labs.JEL. A19, C00, I23, L30