Engaging citizens in European research
In planning the direction of research and innovation, the EU needs to take into account the requirements of citizens. Scientific and technological solutions must now look to adapt to the needs and expectations of society. With EU funding, the 'Voices' (VOICES) project carried out face-to-face consultations about urban waste as a resource in 27 EU Member States. Overall, the goal was to use the findings to draft Horizon 2020 calls for research funding and influence the overall course of EU research policy. VOICES conducted 100 focus groups in science centres and museums throughout Europe, engaging about 1 000 citizens from various ages and backgrounds on innovative uses and solutions for urban waste. It also explored the 'zero waste society' concept. The project reviewed Member State priorities and compared the outcomes across the EU. An analysis of the overall results followed. A final report presents all the results and sets forth conclusions at EU level based on views, hopes, fears and thoughts about urban waste as a resource. It also explains how the European Commission exploited these outcomes to design and strengthen EU research priorities. Individual reports were also produced for each Member State to provide a country-specific perspective. VOICES blazed a trail for European participatory democracy in science, research and innovation. The project gave voice to EU citizens in policymaking, transforming the general public into powerful partners with government. Please find the project tutorial here.
Keywords
Engaging citizens, public opinion, urban waste, environmental research, participatory democracy
