Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
conduct of hESC research as long as it was properly regulated
(Chalmers and Nicol, 2004; Bates et al., 2010).
Yet research into scientists' attitudes towards the communities in
which they work shows that there is actually a quite complex
relationship between scientists and publics, more so than the 'deficit
model' would imply (Bates et al., 2010). In one study of the level of
trust in stem cell science conducted at a public engagement event,
participants demonstrated a highly nuanced understanding of the
role of scientists and the institutions of science (Bates et al., 2010).
While it was noted that the degree of closeness to the daily practices
of scientific research affected the perceived level of trustworthiness
of individuals and institutions, it was also observed of the participants
that this was not always the case, with sceptical scientists trusting
the honesty of peer-review and sceptical publics placing a high level
of trust in the progress of science (Bates et al., 2010).
A significant component of state strategies aimed at building
success in the stem cell sciences includes improving dialogue between
scientists and publics. By encouraging people to participate in public
engagement events, community attitudes are able to feed into policy
design and trust-building through regulation (Bates et al., 2010).
The level of trust in science within the broader community, and how
this trust is supported through effective policy and regulatory
development, will influence the future of controversial biomedical
technologies. As the evidence of the impact of restrictive regulations
on research output shows, community support for new forms of
research is a key part of developing new technologies and increasing
trust in science is an important element of developing this support.
3.3.2 Globalflowsoflabourandcapital
Finally, global flows of labour and capital are also important aspects
of creating the right conditions for innovation. Increasing global
fluidity of people, goods and services means that talented labour will
move to where the conditions are most favourable. The globalization
of finance, achieved through trade liberalization, deregulation and
technological change over the last several decades, has also resulted
