Gatekeepers and proximity in science-driven sectors in Europe and Asia: The Case of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Abstract

For science-driven sectors, international knowledge flows should be easier to achieve, as most of the knowledge is based on formal and standardised publications. For regional knowledge management, this means that gatekeepers between the regions should focus for science-based sectors on cognitive proximity to use the standardised forms of exchange. In this paper, we analyse knowledge interaction processes for human embryonic stem cell research as a modern science-based sector. Based on a comparison of policies and knowledge flows for six countries in Asia and Europe, the specific challenges for stem cell policies are derived.