Showing papers by "Johan Schot published in 1995"

Tussen droom en daad ...

Abstract: Between dreams and action ... A multi-dimensional work such as the Geschiedenis van de techniek in Nederland invites a great variety of criticism. The remarks made by technologically minded readers, atypified by Oele's contribution, that the series comes close to a history of technology without technology, are partly influenced by the dominant model of what a history of technology should be, embodied in the works of Singer et al., and Daumas. In our series we aimed at showing the connection between technology and the context in which it was to function. Time and again there was the question of how far the notorious black box should be opened in order to understand actual developments. More than once the nature, or absence, of sources prevented a more detailed analysis. In the numerous cases where foreign technology was imported to the Netherlands, the main innovative effort was directed not so much at the technology itself, but at organizational aspects surrounding the implementation of new technologies. As far as the economists' approach is concerned (Horlings' contribution), one must conclude that a number of conceptual differences makes it hard for both parties to reach a consensus on what is relevant. The macro versus micro analysis, the relative importance of market factors, and the difference between a quantitative and a qualitative focus on innovation will in particular remain subjects of discussion. The observations made in the papers of Theunissen, Davids and Stuurman point to something which the editors have come to recognize while the work was in progress: attitudes, cultural and political dimensions of technology still require much more research. One of the most intriguing questions in need of further investigation is the concept (and phenomenon) of technical creativity. A comparative historical investigation of national differences promises to be rewarding in this respect. As a whole, the editors agree with the suggestion made by some reviewers that the series, albeit of high quality, is preferably to be regarded as the overture to an intensified study of the history of technology in the Netherlands, and not as its finale.