ICaTSEM is a collaborative research project granted by the European Commission (7th Framework Programme).
The aim of the project is to analyse, within a comparative institutionalist analytical framework, the trajectories of socio-economic development models. Comparative analyses of forms of capitalism have underlined the diversity in institutional configurations. Within the EU, it is assumed that four types of socio-economic models exist: market-oriented, continental, Nordic, and Southern, with the position of transitional CEEC under discussion.
The project aims at deeping the analysis of the world wide influence of neoliberal networks of intellectuals and think tanks through focusing on specific issue areas (e.g. development and environmental policies). The ongoing evolution of neoliberal social forces is reconstructed historically in diverse spheres including science, media, politics and consulting. Particular attention is paid to the financing of the various activities by corporations, associations and foundations. Methodologically the historical social network analysis of the Mont Pèlerin Society and associated think tank networks is at the centre of the research. Theoretical concepts are developed to further an actor centred analysis of the relationship of knowledge and power in globalization processes.
Interdisciplinarity is an increasingly relevant concept in science and innovation. Universities worldwide have started to install interdisciplinary centers during the last 15 years (Bio‐X at Stanford University). Interdisciplinary research has the potential to address ‘grand challenges’ that are gaining importance in current times of uncertainty and interdependence. Interdisciplinary research facilitates radical innovation due to its potential to link hitherto unconnected streams of knowledge. It shapes completely new scientific fields such as synthetic biology and neuroeconomics thus transforming the landscape of science.
The project analyzes the recently accelerated internationalization (Europeanization) of political interest representation. Subjects are both the vertical dimension of shifting interest representation activities to supranational arenas and institutions and the horizontal differentiation of lobbying within globalized societies. At the centre of attention is the twofold dissolution of the boundaries of political interest group activities and the main actors promoting these processes including business associations, commercial service firms, consultants, but also NGOs and think tanks, for example.
Wirtschaft und Unternehmen müssen sich heute mehr denn je mit den großen gesellschaftlichen Fragen auseinandersetzen. Denn obwohl Deutschlands ökonomische Eckdaten gut sind, profitieren längst nicht alle Menschen von dem Aufschwung. Aber wie kann Wirtschaft inklusiver werden? Was müssen Politik und Unternehmen tun?
In this talk I present a socioempirical qualitative research done in a German hospital with cancer patients involved in clinical trials and biobanking. The study focuses on patients’ opinions about data sharing, data protection and controlling their data over time – i.e. the dynamic consent approach.
Accounting standards are frequently understood to be little more than formalized rules for the preparation of financial statements. The professional understanding emphasizes the allegedly apolitical nature of expertise, a notion upheld at the international level where many relevant standard setting decisions are taken today. An organizational analysis of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) shows to the contrary that the 35-year history of transnational standard setting in accounting has been characterized by contests between various interest groups striving to shape international standards and the institutions in which they are set.