Applied Social Science Research in a Regional Knowledge System : Balancing Validity, Meaning and Convenience

This book illustrates how applied social scientists and their research are integrated with stakeholders and practitioners in a local/regional setting, and how knowledge development is a mutual concern, made in, and dependent on, ongoing dialogue. Focusing on the Agder region, the southernmost region in Norway, researchers and contributors question what impact the changing economic environment will have on applied researchers around the world. Applied research is seen as a vital part of the infrastructure for economic and social development, in the Agder region and beyond. The chapters are divided into four parts:

• the spatial dimension of knowledge development;
• understanding regional practice;
• explaining regional practice;
• influencing regional social practice.

A useful resource for both policy makers and researchers, the book helps readers reflect on the type of mutual competence building that applied social science research implies, and depends on, in a regional knowledge development process. It represents a voice on how to understand the development of the knowledge society at regional and global levels.

Hans Christian Garmann Johnsen is a professor in the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Agder in Norway. He is a specialist in the study of working life and innovation. For 15 years Garmann Johnsen has been involved in a national research programme into collaborative innovation. He has written and presented papers and authored journal articles published worldwide. Richard Ennals is a visiting professor at the Swedish Royal institute of Technology, and a director of the UK Work Organisation Network. He is Vice-Chair of the World Council for Total Quality and Excellence in Education. Ennals is Review Editor of the journal AI and Society and has himself authored many books, papers and journal articles.