SOCIAL FUNCTIONS OF MODERN SCIENCE THROUGH THE PRISM OF SCIENCE - GOVERNMENT INTERACTIONS.

The paper discusses the interactions between R&D, policy and citizen society. The historical stages in the development of science policy are considered (Policy for Science; Science in Policy; Policy for Technological Innovation), as well as their specific referents in USA and European Union. The specific totalitarian model of science policy is also considered. The role of science consulting in the high-level decision making process as a precondition for evidence-based policymaking is investigated. It is presented the concept of „epistemic communities“ for assisting the decision making. Some risks and „bad practices“ in policy consulting process are outlined. Further, the growing significance of public awareness and public participation in science and innovation policy making has been considered. The paper analyses the evolution of European science policy during the last decade as an instrument of intensification of the R&D sector and society. The conclusion is made that in an environment with risks and uncertainty the role of scientific expertise, as well as of the social factor in high level decision making enhances, and a political fostering of the social support for R&D is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]