Public Engagement Profiles and Types of Research Institutes

This chapter describes research institutes’ types based on their propensity for public communication and engagement. We identified them by applying two combined analysis techniques to the entire dataset of the MORE-PE project: reducing variables by constructing indices and reducing cases through a cluster analysis. The aim of the chapter is to define homogeneous groups based on the answers provided to our questionnaire and construct a typology using an exploratory data analysis approach. The analysis yields three types that are discussed and proposed as: diffusionist, corporate and market-oriented. The institutes that follow a diffusionist model seem to want to exploit the great potential of all means of communication by encouraging forms of dialog and participation to contribute to the development of the knowledge society. On the other hand, institutes that follow a more corporate approach try to direct communication more selectively, tempering their institutional obligations with the need to enjoy the public’s favor in order to have the necessary funding for their activities. Finally, market-oriented institutes play their role and engage the public by accepting competition and innovation mechanisms typical of the economy principles of supply and demand.