The Problem-Solving Community

Abstract

This article is written against the background of the cross-pressures on researchers who attempt to do work that they want to be recognized by disciplinary colleagues and at the same time satisfy customer demands for useful and relevant knowledge to help solve concrete social problems. The article shows that problem-solving communities, which encompass both researchers from several disciplines and representatives from the users of research in society, can reduce these cross-pressures. It discusses how problem-solving communities can perform the same functions as disciplinary communities in respect to promoting good research. Finally, it points to the conditions for developing a well-functioning problem-solving community.