Beyond the dichotomy of instrumentality and non-instrumentality of knowledge production: The case of generation challenge programme

• Published in: Science & public policy Vol. 44; no. 4; pp. 583 - 597
• Main Authors: Basu, Soutrik, Jongerden, Joost, Ruivenkamp, Guido
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 01.08.2017
• Subjects: (non) instrumentality; discourse; knowledge production; Science policy; Instrumentality; Non-instrumentality; Discourse; Knowledge Production; GCP; Science Policy
• ISSN: 0302-3427; 1471-5430
• DOI: 10.1093/scipol/scx008

Abstract A change in the discourse on knowledge production as a shift from the non-instrumentality to the instrumentality approach has been identified and, moreover, generally been regarded as an inevitable, unilinear transition. In this article, we question this assumption by questioning some of the key features of the instrumentality paradigm, particularly in relation to a specific organisation geared towards international agrarian knowledge production, the Generation Challenge Programme (GCP). We first provide an account of the non-instrumentality approach to knowledge production and of the gradual shift towards instrumentality. Then, different theories of instrumental knowledge production are analysed for patterns that holistically indicate the essence of instrumental knowledge production. Finally, by providing a descriptive analysis of the GCP, we argue against the idea of a unilinear transition towards the instrumental paradigm insofar as, within GCP, several non-instrumental patterns are emerging that seem to go beyond the dichotomous (instrumental versus non-instrumental) understanding of knowledge production discourse.