The Interdependence of Science and Business

From the development of new drug therapies and energy production to computer chip technology science has laid the foundation for many of the world’s biggest technological advances. While innovation is the driving force behind science, business is all about making money and keeping shareholders happy. Traditionally, the worlds of science and business were thought of as distinct entities. However, they are inextricably linked, and it is impossible to isolate the impact of research in science as well as its impact on business.

While businesses are focused on profits, the long-term implications of its decisions can have major environmental, social and economic effects. Science is equally concerned about the effects of its actions, in particular its decisions on resource exploitation and sustainable development. A smart business, for instance will exploit the natural resources at an amount that is scientifically deemed as sustainable. However, the greed of some companies has led to over-exploitation and ecological catastrophe.

We have coded the intended results and the effects of these strategies. (TL was the first to do the coding, and AG coded 20% of http://scorbe.de/generated-post-2 the papers). We discovered that companies employ five macro-level strategies that work collectively to minimise perceived credibility of unfavourable research and increase the credibility of positive science. These strategies are implemented by meso strategies that can, over time, alter the evidence base in favor of industry. This eventually leads to three distal outcomes: to raise doubt on the potential harms that industry-related products and practices, promote industry-friendly policies and to maximize the use, consumption and sales of industry products and services, thereby maximising profits for companies.