Learning from the RFO Pilots- Policy Brief
From The Embassy of Good Science
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Learning from the RFO Pilots- Policy Brief
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What is this about?
This policy brief reports on the experiences of research-funding organisations (RFOs) across Europe that participated in ten pilot activities to explore participatory approaches in research and innovation funding processes. It highlights that involvement of citizens and non-traditional stakeholders enriches the research agenda setting and innovation programmes by bringing in diverse perspectives and societal needs. Key insights include: participatory processes are more complex than traditional ones (requiring flexible planning, careful recruitment, managing expectations and roles, and addressing power-relations). Institutional support and capacity-building (training, facilitation, ethical frameworks) are crucial for success. Concrete examples of pilot cases are given (e.g., a Belgian RFO involving citizens in programme theme-definition; a Norwegian “hub” for citizen participation). The brief concludes with recommendations for RFOs that wish to implement participatory models, emphasising learning-by-doing, resources, governance backing and ethical awareness
Why is this important?
This policy brief matters because research and innovation funding often lacks mechanisms to integrate societal voices meaningfully, yet such inclusion can lead to more relevant, responsible and insightful outcomes. By documenting real-life experiments of RFOs, the brief provides evidence-based guidance to funding agencies on how to design participatory processes ethically and effectively. It helps address the “how” of inclusive research governance not just the “why”. Ensuring that funding decisions, programme design and evaluation incorporate societal input boosts transparency, legitimacy and alignment with public needs strengthening trust in science and innovation.
For whom is this important?
Research funding agencies and organisations (RFOs)Policy-makers and government ministriesResearch Institutions and UniversitiesResearch ethics and integrity bodiesCivil-society organisations
