Science has been the foundation of many of the most important technological advancements in the world. From new drug treatments and energy production, to computer chip technology. While innovation is the driving of science however, business is all about profit and keeping shareholders happy. Business and science were traditionally viewed as two separate worlds. They are both interconnected and it's impossible to separate their what is physics impact on business from the impact of research.
While business is concerned with profit, the long-term consequences of its decisions can have significant social, environmental, and economic impacts. Science is concerned about the repercussions of its decisions, especially its decisions regarding the exploitation of resources and sustainable development. A well-run business, for instance will exploit natural resources at an amount that is scientifically deemed as sustainable. However, the greed of a few businesses has resulted in over-exploitation and environmental disaster.
We have categorized the different ways that corporations try to influence science at macro as well as meso-levels, and mapped the intended outcomes and effects of these strategies (TL conducted the initial codification, AG second-coded 20 per percent of papers). We found that corporations employ five macro-level strategies which work in tandem to minimize the perceived credibility of unfavourable science and maximise favorable science. These strategies are operationalised through meso-strategies, which over time skew evidence in favour of the industry. This ultimately works to produce three distal results: to cast doubt on the potential harms of industry-related products and practices, to encourage industry-favoured policy responses and to increase the use, consumption and sales of industry products and services, thus increasing profits for corporations.
