Knowledge accumulation and vaccine innovation: lessons from polio and HIV/AIDS

摘要: This thesis contrasts vaccine innovation efforts in the cases of poliomyelitis and HIV/AIDS. It addresses question why some fields human endeavour can be seen to yield positive change more quickly than others. The develops a perspective that views as cumulative learning process. employs notion ‘testing regime’ draw attention role testing driving this carefully managed process during development vaccines. Repeated testing, under conditions are varied using instruments skill, generates knowledge is reliable robust for technological purposes. Governance needed co-ordinate ensure resulting growth shared cumulative. lens used explore creation intermediate conditions, instrumentalities, governance processes. uses ‘social visions’ how directed contrasted with neglect apathy afforded AIDS its early manifestations. Shared, rather competing, visions found play significant setting motion. However, finds key pathogenic features virus certain ethical safety stances make accumulation inherently difficult. Importantly, policy measures mitigate or exacerbate these challenges considerably. Whilst greater market support increased research funding tend contributions development, shows they only part what take ideas through innovation. empirical evidence gathered thesis, when viewed regime lens, suggests science distinct activities but their inter-relationships enhanced an infrastructure focussed on nurturing skills, fostering use new techniques, encouraging instruments, implementing resources.