EU research and technological development programmes

This article traces and analyses the role of social science research in the European Union’s research and technological development programmes. The divisions of the scientific community along national and disciplinary boundaries have made organizing and mobilizing at the European level difficult. In recent years, however, the contributions of social science to research and to policy have gained increased recognition, attaining substantial importance and visibility within the EU research and technological development framework programmes. Recognition of the potential role of the social sciences and humanities in research and policy at the EU level has rapidly gained momentum with increasingly influential results that are evident in the field of science policy.