Ordering the past, envisioning future(s): How review articles in synthetic biology make use of heterogeneous expectations

• DOI: 10.1016/j.futures.2023.103302
• Publication Date: 2023-12-13T17:14:27Z
• Authors: Clemens Blümel
• Keywords: Relevance; Realm; Protocell; Representation; Synthetic Biology; Interdisciplinarity; Value (mathematics)

This article deals with expectation dynamics in the field of synthetic biology. The draws on scholarly review articles as main material, complemented by expert interviews conducted scholars from field. aim is to explore how expectations change over time and they are used justify move Drawing conceptual advances sociology expectations, I show increasingly linked at different levels (the landscape, sector, niche level) support among audiences. analysis shows that, while early period supported innovation paths communities (such chemical biology, protocell research, well bioengineering), bioengineering becomes dominant representation second period. Linkages between increase relevance concepts, history type link bioengineering's past future Interviews complementary material reveal that this reflects changes community policy realm. Based it argued can play a role formation collective construction scientific collectives, such