Serendipity: Towards a taxonomy and a theory

Research Policy · 2018 · Volume 47 · Issue 1

DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2017.10.007

Abstract

Serendipity, the notion of researchers making unexpected and beneficial discoveries, has played an important role in debates about the feasibility and desirability of targeting public R&D investments. The purpose of this paper is to show that serendipity can come in different forms and come about in a variety of ways. The archives of Robert K Merton, who introduced the term to the social sciences, were used as a starting point for gathering literature and examples. I identify four types of serendipity (Walpolian, Mertonian, Bushian, Stephanian) together with four mechanisms of serendipity (Theory-led, Observer-led, Error-borne, Network-emergent). I also discuss implications of the different types and mechanisms for theory and policy.

Keywords

Science policy, Research policy, Serendipity, Innovation management, Technology policy, Uncertainty

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