Reflexivity in e-science: virtual communities and research institutions

Abstract

The social and policy aspects of e-science are becoming more important as the social and technical infrastructure for it progresses. This essay presents the idea that we should pursue a reflexive perspective in its development, keeping in mind that e-science has the capacity to radically restructure current power relations in research institutions. However, it probably will not cause radical change, as much as exacerbate the already difficult situations that the virtual communities of researchers face in the entrepreneurial university.