Proposing a policy mix for enhancing socio-economic effectiveness and applicability of humanities to achieve scientific authority

Document Type : Research paper

Authors

1 Faculty Member, Institute for Science and Technology Studies, Shahid Beheshti University,Tehran,Iran

2 Researcher, Institute for Science and Technology Studies, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This paper aims to provide a policy mix to support the socio-economic effectiveness and applicability of humanities.
While gaining scientific authority within humanities disciplines and championing their role in advancing civilization have certainly pervaded policy discourse in recent years, the observation highlights a shortcoming - namely, the lack of a cohesive policy mix to reliably foster the socio-economic effectiveness and applicability of humanities. Literature shows that the socio-economic effectiveness and applicability of humanities have a rich historical trajectory. Its origins lie in addressing ethical and legal concerns, which then evolved to encompass the establishment of educational and research institutions focused on scientific concepts. Subsequently, humanities began yielding tangible economic and social benefits for industries and society. However, when comparing the socio-economic effectiveness and applicability of humanities to fundamental and engineering sciences, a tailored policy framework is indispensable to acknowledge the unique position of humanities within government structures. To shed light on this matter, we conducted an examination of nine esteemed international humanities institutions, including the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), European Social Fund (ESF), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation (OSICP), Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), and Arab Council for the Social Science (ACSS). From this comprehensive analysis, we derived an initial framework aimed at enhancing the socio-economic effectiveness and applicability of humanities.
We employed a qualitative methodology to contextualize the initial framework within the Iranian context. From January to May 2023, we conducted interviews with 25 experts utilizing the snowball technique, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives. By engaging experts affiliated with various organizations and institutions, e.g., the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, Vice-Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, and Academy of Sciences of Iran, we sought to minimize bias and capture a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. To analyze the gathered data, we employed the abductive content analysis approach—an esteemed qualitative research method renowned for its ability to unveil patterns, themes, and inherent meanings within textual data. This meticulous, analytical process allowed us to derive valuable insights specific to the Iranian context.
Based on our findings, we suggested a set of 18 supports under 5 policy mix to foster the socio-economic effectiveness and applicability of humanities. The proposed policy mix, proposed by the authors, encompasses the following.
- Supporting applied and developmental research: By allocating resources towards applied research initiatives, we aim to enhance the practical relevance of humanities. This approach ensures that research outcomes contribute directly to societal and economic needs.
- Supporting product and service development: We foster their application in real-world contexts by facilitating the development of innovative products and services rooted in humanities. This enables translating theoretical knowledge into tangible solutions for industries and society.
- Supporting empowerment and specialized skill enhancement for skilled workers: Recognizing the pivotal role of skilled professionals in driving socio-economic progress, we advocate for initiatives that empower and enhance the expertise of individuals working within humanities-related fields. This support ensures the cultivation of specialized skills needed to address contemporary challenges.
- Supporting innovative cultural and social services and centers: By investing in the establishment and sustenance of cultural and social service centers, we create spaces that promote creativity, innovation, and community engagement. This support enables exploring novel ways in which humanities can positively impact society.
- Supporting infrastructure development and networking: Recognizing the significance of robust infrastructure and networking opportunities, we emphasize the need for investments in this realm. By fostering a supportive ecosystem, we enable effective collaboration, knowledge sharing, and resource utilization within the humanities community.
The policy mix and support measures proposed in this study hold both practical and theoretical implications. They provide a roadmap for directing mechanisms that effectively promote the socio-economic effectiveness and applicability of humanities, ensuring their continued relevance and impact in contemporary society.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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