Object Construction and Networks in Research Work:

Abstract

This paper discusses how a research community constructs a research object and agenda for itself. It analyzes object construction as the complex and continuous efforts of a research community to create and maintain the social meaning and motive of its research activity. It concludes that the object of research work is dual: it comprises the research object proper, and `application objects'. The latter are objects constructed by innovation networks comprised of researchers, producers and users, at the same time as the research is being undertaken. The paper analyzes the use of cultural artifacts, including models and representations, as tools of object construction. It proposes that the analysis of future-oriented, `where-to' artifacts is a key to understanding intentionality in research work in a non-dualist way.