The NanoDiode project organised two innovation governance workshops to discuss the project findings with policy makers and identify opportunities for the effective governance of nanotechnologies in Europe.
Governance workshop: Embedding Stakeholder Engagement in European Research Policy
The first workshop was held in Brussels in 2015. This half-day workshop brought together European Commission staff (DG RTD), NanoDiode project partners and invited experts to explore opportunities to engage societal stakeholders in nanotechnologies and other key enabling technologies.
More information: NanoDiode workshop report – Engaging stakeholders in KETs – 4 Dec 2015 – Brussels
Working conference: Opening up Research and Innovation to Society
The second event was held on 31 May 2015 at the Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels. It brought together a larger group of research and innovation actors, including European and national policy makers, researchers, communication managers and civil society representatives. The objective of the meeting was to motivate participants to strengthen stakeholder engagement in their own work. Plenary discussions on the rationale and benefits of stakeholder engagement were combined with interactive sessions where participants could get support for the organisation of their own engagement activities. More information:
NanoDiode_Working_Conference_2016_programme
NanoDiode_Working_Conference_2016_slides
Stakeholder engagement: a continuing experiment
The workshop discussions identified both opportunities and challenges for strengthening stakeholder engagement in research and innovation. On a global level, technological and societal trends are pointing towards the need for new models for innovation governance that effectively integrate societal considerations in research and innovation. While the old model is increasingly criticised, new models are just beginning to emerge. The engagement of societal stakeholders thus falls within a broader area of experimentation into opening up the research and innovation system to societal needs and values. As the NanoDiode project draws to a close, explorations into enhancing the responsiveness of research and innovation will continue. Future efforts need to focus on communication and translation of these insights, providing hands-on tools and clear benefits. Buy-in from all stakeholders will be essential for the transition towards a research and innovation system where societal considerations become part of the innovation drive rather than a problem to be addressed.
