The Academic Infrastructure of Factory Automation

Abstract

The aim of the present chapter is to examine that part of the Swedish academic system which is concerned with the generation, organization, and dissemination of knowledge pertaining to factory automation (FA), and to assess its role within the larger technological system. To that end, a study has been carried out in which the relevant activities of a key set of departments/divisions are identified and analyzed. In line with the general orientation of the STS project, special emphasis has been placed on the exploration of the systemic or networking aspects of those activities — on the mapping of intraacademic as well as cross-sectoral relations of cooperation and exchange. It must be pointed out, however, that the study does not attempt to cover the entire range of FA-related academic activities or functions. The focus of attention is clearly on the production and transfer of knowledge in the context of research and research training rather than on the provision of basic or graduate education. While the importance of the latter function is readily acknowledged, it has not been possible, within the practical limits of the project, to undertake a proper investigation of the subject.