The Evolutionary Dynamics of Discursive Knowledge : Communication-Theoretical Perspectives on an Empirical Philosophy of Science

This Open Access Book Addresses Three Themes Which Have Been Central To Leydesdorff's Research: (1) The Dynamics Of Science, Technology, And Innovation; (2) The Scientometric Operationalization Of These Concept; And (3) The Elaboration In Terms Of A Triple Helix Of University-industry-government Relations. In This Study, I Discuss The Relations Among These Themes. Using Luhmann's Social-systems Theory For Modelling Meaning Processing And Shannon's Theory For Information Processing, I Show That Synergy Can Add New Options To An Innovation System As Redundancy. The Capacity To Develop New Options Is More Important For Innovation Than Past Performance. Entertaining A Model Of Possible Future States Makes A Knowledge-based System Increasingly Anticipatory. The Trade-off Between The Incursion Of Future States On The Historical Developments Can Be Measured Using The Triple-helix Synergy Indicator. This Is Shown, For Example, For The Italian National And Regional Systems Of Innovation.