Short Abstract:

This sub-plenary aims to discuss on the effects of the neoliberal model on the future of science and technology. We want to set a discussion on its consequences on labour conditions, evaluation practices, its relation to the world of business, politics and the wider civil society.

Long Abstract:

The night of the researcherconspirers: excellence, evaluation and speed in the future of neoliberal academia

In this sub-plenary, we would like to address how academic debates in STS but also in science and innovation studies and policies have, with renewed interest and emphasis, recently addressed the impact of new public management principles and policies not only on the daily functioning of science and academia but also on its current organization, labour conditions, evaluation practices and in relation to the world of business, politics and the wider civil society. Whilst the dominant mantra of the bio-based economy of Horizon 2020 insists on the importance of intellectual property rights, market incentives, public-private partnerships, innovation clusters and academic start-ups, a relevant amount of critical academics has started not only to question the actual societal value of this clearly neoliberal model, but also to warn fellow researchers and policymakers about the toll that this new model is taking on the necessary autonomy and freedom of scientific practices. This sub-plenary session aims at giving voice to some of these critical researchers and to stimulating a vibrant, open and interactive exchange of ideas, perspectives and suggestions with the participants of the conference.