Raising the summit or flattening the agora? The elitist turn in science policy in Northern Europe. Issue 4 (2nd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Geschwind, Lars; Pinheiro, Rómulo M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of Baltic studies. Volume 48:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 513
• Page End: 528
• Publication Date: 2017-10-02
• Subjects: Excellence -- travel of ideas -- translation -- science policy -- centers of excellence -- Nordic countries -- multilevel governance (MLG); Baltic States -- Periodicals; 947.9005
• DOI: 10.1080/01629778.2017.1305178
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0162-9778

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This contribution focuses on how one hegemonic idea – excellence – which has significant impact on science and higher education policy was translated in two Nordic countries: Norway and Sweden. Building on key concepts emanating from political science and organizational sociology, the article assesses how excellence was locally translated by policy makers, leading to the rise of a series of policy measures aimed at fostering excellence in science across the board. In doing this, we investigate a key empirical dimension: the policy mechanisms or instruments launched at national levels (two Nordic countries) in the form of centers of excellence.