Science has developed immensely over the last century. For example, in addressing a wider and wider range of topics, and requiring more and more resources, science has become increasingly collaborative and interdisciplinary. In this talk, I shall analyze some of the overarching epistemic implications of the way in which science has developed in recent decades, and I shall show how such an analysis can provide new perspectives on classical issues such as academic freedom, and give important guidance for ongoing debates in science policy on research organization, research funding, and strategic research planning. In closing, I shall reflect on the role of history, philosophy and sociology of science in contributing to such debates in science policy.