On the recent transformation of the research system: in search of a conceptual framework for developing countries

A growing body of literature has claimed that the research system is undergoing a significant transformation. Accounts such as “Finalization Science”, “Strategic Research”, “Post-normal Science”, and “Mode 2”—arguably the most popular among them—have tried to make sense and assess the implications of such a change in scholarship. These theorizations were produced in the context of highly developed nations, such as Australia, United States, and United Kingdom. A gap in the literature is found, however, when it comes to the recent developments of science in the context of developing countries. This paper discusses the prominent theorizations of changing research systems, with focus on their empirical validation and suitability to the context of developing countries’ research systems.