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FORUM Success and Its Price The Institutionalization and Political Relevance of Industrial Ecology
"... As industrial ecology (IE) solidifies conceptually and method-ologically, and as it gains visibility and legitimacy in academia, industry, and government, it is important that the IE commu-nity periodically evaluate the status of its emerging institutional arrangements. At the same time, industrial ..."
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As industrial ecology (IE) solidifies conceptually and method-ologically, and as it gains visibility and legitimacy in academia, industry, and government, it is important that the IE commu-nity periodically evaluate the status of its emerging institutional arrangements. At the same time, industrial ecologists should assess the political relations developing between the field and the larger world. We analyze four institutional criteria: pro-fessional legitimacy, viable clientele, entrepreneurial acumen, and occupational opportunities, as well as a more controver-sial fifth measure—political relevance. Drawing a comparison with the field of ecology, we argue that efforts to foster IE in-stitutionally can, ironically, conflict with the objective of seeing IE become “the science and engineering of sustainability. ” The article concludes by reflecting on the importance of this kind of critical appraisal and on why many observers of the field remain hopeful. Keywords environmental policy ecological modernization higher education industrial ecology institutionalization sociology of knowledge Address correspondence to:
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"... Scientists, policy-makers, and the general public are becoming increasingly aware of environmental damage associated with large and growing material through-put required in modern industrial society. One approach emerging in response to these concerns is called Industrial Ecology (IE). IE signals a ..."
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Scientists, policy-makers, and the general public are becoming increasingly aware of environmental damage associated with large and growing material through-put required in modern industrial society. One approach emerging in response to these concerns is called Industrial Ecology (IE). IE signals a shift from "end-of-pipe " pollution control methods towards holistic strategies for prevention and planning of more environmentally sound industrial development. However, the broad umbrella of IE currently houses a diverse group of scholars, consultants, and environmentalists who range in scope from those advocating incremental changes in existing systems, to some promoting a total transformation of industrial activity. This article will present a critical review of the existing U.S. literature on IE. We will introduce and critique IE's primary concepts and analyze weaknesses and "holes " in IE's conceptual framework. We will also discuss the needs and potential for advancing Industrial Ecology concepts and projects in the future.
