Scholars across a range of academic fields continue to rely on Robert K. Merton's scientific norms to frame analyses of the privatization of research in the life sciences. I revisit constructivist criticisms of the Mertonian approach and then develop an empirically grounded interpretation of academic entrepreneurship. Focusing on the case of an early biotech entrepreneur, I investigate how scientists and university administrators managed intellectual property issues and conflicts of interest and commitment during the `biotech revolution' of the late 1970s and early 1980s. This story shows that many contemporary studies --- both supportive and critical of privatization --- misunderstand or misrepresent the ethical dimensions of faculty participation in commerce.
...MoreDescription On academic entrepreneurship and ethics in science during the biotech revolution.
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