University of Sussex
Browse
Promissory identitites published 2016.pdf (220.26 kB)

Promissory identities: sociotechnical representations & innovation in regenerative medicine

Download (220.26 kB)
Version 2 2023-06-12, 08:37
Version 1 2023-06-09, 04:45
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 08:37 authored by John Gardner, Ruchi Higham, Alex Faulkner, Andrew Webster
The field of regenerative medicine (RM) is championed as a potential source of curative treatments and economic wealth, and initiatives have been launched in several countries to facilitate innovation within the field. As a way of examining the social dimensions of innovation within regenerative medicine, this paper explores the sociotechnical representations of RM technologies in the UK, and the tensions, affordances and complexities these representations present for actors within the field. Specifically, the paper uses the Science and Technology Studies-inspired notions of ‘technology identity’ and ‘development space’ to examine how particular technologies are framed and positioned by actors, and how these positionings subsequently shape innovation pathways. Four developing RM technologies are used as case studies: bioengineered tracheas; autologous chondrocyte implantation; T-cell therapies; and a ‘point-of-care’ cell preparation device. Using these case studies we argue that there are particular identity aspects that have powerful performative effects and provide momentum to innovation projects, and we argue that there are particular stakeholders in the UK RM landscape who appear to have considerable power in shaping these technology identities and thus innovation pathways.

Funding

Regenerative medicine and its potential for development and diffusion: an analysis of emergent value systems and health service readiness; G1398; ESRC-ECONOMIC & SOCIAL RESEARCH COUNCIL; R15474 - ES/L002779/1

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Social Science and Medicine

ISSN

0277-9536

Publisher

Elsevier

Volume

174

Page range

70-78

Department affiliated with

  • International Relations Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • Centre for Global Health Policy Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2017-01-16

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2017-01-16

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2017-01-16

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Licence

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC