Embedded research in rehabilitation engineering. (1st September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Foord, David J. A.; Kyberd, Peter
• Is Part Of: Prometheus. Volume 36:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 217
• Page End: 234
• Publication Date: 2020-09-01
• Subjects: Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Information science -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Communication -- Periodicals; Science and state -- Periodicals; Technology -- Australia -- Periodicals; 303
• DOI: 10.13169/prometheus.36.3.0217
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0810-9028

Abstract

Abstract : We examine concepts of new knowledge creation and embedded research in a case study on the i-limb, the world's first commercial prosthetic hand with five independently powered digits. Although the case demonstrates many elements of the mode 2 concept, that does not adequately describe the influence of context. In addition to the forces of contextualization, we argue there was also a strong influence on the R&D process and product from the embedding of scientific research and technology development in a location of use, specifically a prosthetic clinic in a hospital. We use the literature on embedded research to supplement our examination of this case of new knowledge creation. We contribute to the literature on mode 2 knowledge production and contexts of application by applying the literature on embedded research to explain the creation of new knowledge in locations of use.