Mission statements and self-descriptions of German extra-university research institutes: A qualitative content analysis

Abstract

Research institutes generate knowledge that contributes to the progress of science and society. Thus, they display certain specific organizational characterizations. This paper examines the variations in the descriptions of German extra-university research institutes by using a qualitative content analysis. It investigates the mission statements and self-descriptions from Max Planck institutes, Fraunhofer institutes, and government research agencies related to the material sciences in order to discuss differences among the institutes and to understand how they cope with external expectations. The findings reveal that the missions of the scientific associations tend to highlight scientific and other orientations. Those research institutes open to scientific communication and non-scientific problems tend to associate with non-scientific orientations. Based on these findings, I argue that external assessments of research institutes should pay attention to the organizations’ self-description and asserted connections to science and society. The use of this perspective should minimize conflicts concerning the appropriate representation of such institutes.

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