Networking of Social Sciences Knowledge in the Function of Solving Practical Problems and Development of Society

Abstract

The development of modern societies is based on the latest concepts of the knowledge economy and knowledge society, which implies sectoral and disciplinary connection and integration of all available knowledge of a society and putting it into the function of achieving social goals (development). The purpose of this paper is to look at the scope of this concept in the world and make a comparison with the degree of knowledge application and integration of science in Serbia, with a focus on social sciences. Accordingly, an overview of general global trends and challenges in the field of social sciences, education, and the application of knowledge is given first. After that, examples of good practice and one case study (Social Science Research Park in Great Britain) are presented. Then the state of social sciences (and their practical application) in the Republic of Serbia was analyzed. It was observed that there is a solid institutional framework for the development and networking of knowledge, but also that there are open questions and problems that need to be worked on in the future. In the final part of the work, potential solutions were offered for the identified challenges that could contribute to mitigating the observed problems and more effectively achieving the set goals.