Putting science into practice: the diffusion of scientific knowledge exemplified by the Austrian ‘Research Initiative Against Forest Decline’

Published Date
1 August 2000, Vol.1(2):165–176, doi:10.1016/S1389-9341(99)00008-8

Author 

Michael Pregernig ^,

Institute of Forest Sector Policy and Economics, University of Agricultural Sciences Vienna, Gregor-Mendel Strasse 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria

Received 21 May 1999. Revised 18 November 1999. Accepted 1 December 1999. Available online 24 July 2000.

Abstract

The paper deals with the question of how scientific knowledge is put into practicable action (or rather how it is not put into action) and explains what role communicative processes play in passing on scientific know-how. In the theoretical part, some selected communication models are introduced. Accordingly, scientific findings do not enter practical fields via clearly defined ‘transport routes’ of information. Knowledge tends to be disseminated via network structures of communication. The acceptance and diffusion of knowledge generated by the Austrian ‘Research Initiative Against Forest Decline’ is employed to test the hypotheses derived. Data were collected with a standardised, self-administered questionnaire (249 interviews with managers of forest enterprises and persons working in forest extension services in Austria). The empirical survey shows that the traditional channels of transfer (i.e. scientists and extension services) play only a minor direct role in passing on scientific know-how and putting it into practice. Furthermore, we can see that professional and institutionalised channels are supplemented by informal contacts.

Keywords

Transfer of scientific knowledge

Communication science

Forest restoration 

Extension service

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