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Reviewing the main research approaches on the acceptance of science and technology (S&T) developed in the last decades, I will (1) summarize advances achieved and persisting problems concerning the understanding of both the public and S&T. I will show that the acceptance-centered framework has, at least implicitly, been linked to practical efforts in acceptance politics, i.e., attempts to improve a lack of acceptance. In order to investigate conflicts relating to S&T in a more reflective way, I will (2) suggest an epistemological shift towards the analysis of acceptance politics. Building on the distinction between the relevance and resonance of S&T, the ways in which S&T are valuated and gain legitimacy are investigated from a regime analytical perspective. I will (3) exemplify the advantages of this approach by comparatively analyzing the acceptance politics of three biotechnology applications in the USA and Germany. I will (4) conclude with an outlook on future research.

Moderne Geschossbauten erfordern ganzheitliche und nachhaltige Gebäudekonzepte, die ein hohes Maß an Nutzungsflexibilität und Multifunktionalität bieten und somit die Bauwerkslebensdauer und ‐wirtschaftlichkeit erhöhen. Dabei spielen die Geschossdecken eine große Rolle. In diesem Beitrag wird die Entwicklung eines innovativen Verbunddeckensystems dargestellt, das sich durch große Spannweiten sowie optimierte bauphysikalische und brandschutztechnische Eigenschaften auszeichnet und zudem die vollständige Integration gebäudetechnischer Anlagen mit zugehöriger Installationsführung in die Tragkonstruktion ermöglicht. Im Vorfeld des vorgestellten Forschungsprojektes wurde bereits ein Evaluierungsprozess von Verbunddeckensystemen durchgeführt [1].Integrated and sustainability‐oriented ceilings in steel and composite. Modern multi‐storey buildings require holistic and sustainable building conceptions to ensure a high degree of flexibility of use and multi‐functionality and augment the economic structure life. In this paper, the development of an innovative composite floor system is outlined, which is characterized by large spans and improved physical and fire protection properties and also allows complete integration of HVACR installations in the supporting structure. In the run‐up of the proposed research project an evaluation process of composite floor systems has been conducted [1].

Against the background of previous historical changes in the configuration of science and politics, this article explores the particular new qualities of more recent changes in the relationship between these two domains. Reconfigurations of politics are outlined at the national, supranational, and international levels, while reconfigurations of science are presented with regard to four high-technologies (nuclear, information and communication, bio, and nano-technologies), hereby aiming at the interdependencies between politics and science. To this end, a regime analytical framework is developed that allows for a focus on the configuration of science and technology in society "as a whole," paying attention to comparative variation and the significance of institutions, practices, and discourses.