Project properties
Title Travelling of framed facts and uncertainties about technological innovations
Group Public Administration and Policy
Project type thesis
Credits t.b.d.
Supervisor(s) Dr Tamara Metze
Examiner(s) Dr Tamara Metze
Contact info Tamara.metze-burghouts@wur.nl
Begin date 2017/09/22
End date 2020/09/22
Description Injections with nano-compounds that ‘manipulate’ our pears, flames from the drinking water tap due to hydraulic fracturing, a whole new weapon-arsenal based on synthetic biology, are but three examples of influential images of contested technologies. Engaged citizens, experts, politicians, industry and others defend, develop or despise technologies in passionate ways. They frame facts and uncertainties in accordance with their values and beliefs. Especially in the age of social media and other internet technologies these images travel across the world, and some become pervasive images. These can hinder or contribute to the responsible development, societal acceptability, and democratic governance of innovative technologies. This research aims to better understand and democratize the mechanisms underlying so termed TOFUs (travelling of framed facts and uncertainties).

Students can contribute to this research project, by further conceptualizing responsible research and innovation, the role of framing and reframing, and conceptualizing conflict, policy controversies, and or policy learning.

Empirical research can for example be conducted on framing of policy controversies, such as shale gas, gas drilling in Groningen, geothermal energy; but also nanotechnology in food and packaging.

Another interesting aspect of this project is cultural differences in framing, reframing of technological innovations.
Used skills Qualitative and quantitative research
Requirements We look for one or more highly ambitious student(s), who is/are capable of working autonomously and has/have affinity with responsible research and innovation and/or framing literature. Students are expected to further develop the above in a stand-alone research proposal.