Social Science in the Knowledge Society: Research Policy in Ireland

Ireland's rich social diversity and recent societal, economic and cultural transformations constitute a fertile seam of research material. If this source of knowledge is to be mined, it must be supported by a forward-looking and comprehensive research policy in both parts of the island. In recent years, there have been significant increases in the levels of public investment in social science research in Ireland. However, the potential of the social sciences to contribute to beneficial socio-economic development has only been partially realised.

In the age of the globalised knowledge-based society, social science research in Ireland is strategically positioned to capitalise on processes that are simultaneously of national and international relevance the peace process, rapid economic growth, increased secularism and multi-culturalism. The research community is also poised to play a more integrated and stronger role within the European Research Area. However, social science research in Ireland must be developed strategically, linking actions to goals and funding to policy, if its full potential is to be maximised.

This collection of essays considers challenges and opportunities for Irish social science research against the backdrop of a changing third level system. Locating the present situation in its historical context, the collection compares experiences in the north and south, in Great Britain and within the broader European policy environment. It is a timely and valuable contribution to current debates on the role of a science of the social in the knowledge-based society.