The product of science

The relationships between agricultural science, invention, production and consumption are conventionally considered in a hierarchical model with consumption at the basis and science at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. Two important shortcomings of that model as a basis for organizing and managing agricultural research are identified. First, the model does not specify how the direction and intensity of research is guided in the absence of markets for the outputs from research. Second, the model does not identify the flows of specific information from the consumption and agricultural production sphere to the research sphere where such information is crucial for the successful conduct of applied agricultural research. An alternative conceptual framework for agricultural research is explored that considers research as a problem-solving activity which exploits general scientific knowledge as well as specific practical knowledge. Implications of a problem solving perspective for the organization and management of agricultural research are discussed.