The swedish science-discussion 1965–1975

During the early 1960's, in Sweden as in other countries, GNP was taken as an indicator of scientific growth. Today the science policy discussion is more centered around the question of political direction of science in accordance with social goals defined along sectoral lines. This change of science policy doctrine reflects important modifications in the social conditions for the production of scientific knowledge. The paper traces some of the changes in the dominant science policy doctrine in Sweden during the period 1965–1975, and an attempt is made to throw them into relief against the background of a wider perspective. In particular three factors indicative of the changes are taken up, viz., the role of futures studies, the issue of the controversy between established interests and radical critics, and finally the emergence recently of trade union interest in science policy issues. At a more fundamental level of analysis the events reviewed can be understood with reference to a concept of scientific-technical revolution.