Advances and Limitations in Science

Science and the way scientific research is undertaken underpins and enables but also greatly constrains innovation. The drivers of scientific endeavour and how research is organised, the policies adopted and standards set, all have a significant influence on how science advances and how opportunities for innovation might be cultivated and benefits realised. Concerns arise around the negative impact of scientific paradigms, discipline-based silo’s, reductionism, lack of interdisciplinarity and research management skills in science. The drive for cutting-edge research and the criteria used to determine quality and achievements in science are also of concern. This chapter introduces key themes that recur throughout the rest of the book.