ABSTRACT
There are few, if any, studies examining the role that contemporary science philanthropies play in shaping the future of science and technology research. This chapter introduces this first-of-its-kind analysis and provides context for the ensuing discussion about how these organizations can better account for considerations of societal responsibility with the funding they provide. It sketches the background of important science philanthropies that will be explored in greater detail throughout the book, along with other critical organizations within the field, such as the Science Philanthropy Alliance. It then addresses philanthropy’s role in society, outlines the challenges facing the field today, and provides definitions for key terminology, including the conceptual framework of responsible research and innovation (RRI). In doing so, this chapter situates this investigation as being centrally relevant to both researchers and practitioners, demonstrating how this book relates to core interests in multiple fields, including science and technology policy, science and technology studies, political science, and public policy. The book’s qualitative methodological approach is summarized, with details provided about the examples, case studies, and interviews that are deployed in subsequent chapters. This chapter ends by providing a guide to the book’s structure and foreshadows some of the significant conclusions that arise from this inquiry.
