Putting citizens at the centre of research and innovation- Policy brief

Related Initiative

What is this about?

Policy Brief 1 of PRO-Ethics examines the promise and practicalities of involving citizens and non-traditional stakeholders in research and innovation (R&I) funding and implementation. The brief argues that for innovation to effectively meet societal challenges and achieve large-scale impact, the perspectives of those affected must be integrated early in the process. It notes the wide variation in how participation is understood and implemented across organizations: the term “participation” covers many modes, and many funding organizations currently involve citizens only minimally or as a decorative add-on. Key challenges include resource constraints (time, money, expertise), lack of institutional support, unclear aims of participation, recruitment of participants, and role expectations. The brief calls for a shared ethical foundation and language for participation, and it suggests that participatory practices must be designed with attention to fairness, legitimacy, and alignment with societal needs.

Why is this important?

This policy brief is important because as research and innovation increasingly aim to address grand societal challenges (climate change, health, inclusion), simply doing “science & tech” isn’t enough the “society” part must be present. By bringing citizens in, R&I becomes more relevant, equitable and sustainable. Yet meaningful citizen participation is not straightforward: this brief surfaces the ethical, organizational and procedural barriers so that R&I funders and institutions can better design inclusive processes. Ensuring participation isn’t tokenistic but genuine strengthens trust in research, improves outcomes and aligns innovation with lived realities making this brief valuable for policy-makers, funders and practitioners alike.

For whom is this important?

Research and innovation funding organisations (RFOs)Policy-makers and governmental bodiesResearch Institutions and UniversitiesCivil society organisationsEthics and integrity bodies

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