Building a social capital model of research development: the case of the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research

This paper argues that social capital theory, originally developed to explain collective, cooperative behavior, can be applied in understanding how better to use science and technology to advance social and economic objectives of underdeveloped regions. Using the case of the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), broad issues affecting priority setting, knowledge utilization, and program evaluation are examined to shape a revised theory of social capital, EPSCoR, and the use of science as a social and economic development strategy. A ‘scientific and technical human capital’ model for the evaluation of EPSCoR is presented.