Wissensbasierte Technologien, Organisationen und Netzwerke - Eine Analyse der Kopplung von Wissenschaft und Wirtschaft

This article analyzes the coupling of the science and the economic systems, a topic which has not received much attention in sociological debates so far. It is argued that concepts of sociological systems theory can be used to conceptualize organizations and interorganizational networks more precisely than either evolutionary economics or the approach of national systems of innovation. Science-based technologies are at the center of the relationship between the science and the economic systems. Biotechnology is an interesting example in this regard where macro indicators such as publications, patents, and value added can be used to describe the coupling process. However, the interplay of organizations, interorganizational networks, and functional systems is crucial for understanding processes of technological innovation more adequately. It is suggested here that organizations are either themselves the coupling entities or that they enable knowledge and technology transfer through their interaction with other organizations. In this regard, this contribution discusses a network concept derived from systems theory. Furthermore, an organizational typology is introduced which shows how different types of organizations are linked to internal structures of the science (applied research) and the economic system (high-technology markets)