Periodic Report Summary - FARHORIZON (Use of foresight to align research with longer term policy needs in Europe)
The starting point of the FarHorizon project is the contention that the present complex system by which Framework Programmes are constructed and negotiated and the bottom-up process by which initiatives involving research and innovation cooperation between Member States come into existence can be improved through use of a foresight approach. Currently the process results in a European-level research portfolio which does not correspond sufficiently to those policy and regulatory functions which Member States have agreed should be determined at European level. The project aims to seek ways to rectify this deficiency.
The project is a pilot study which develops and tests in real situations a foresight methodology designed to bring together key stakeholders to explore the longer term challenges which face their sector (or which cut across sectors) and to build a shared vision that could guide the development of the relevant European research agenda. This includes identifying changes in the European Research and Innovation Ecosystem which would be needed to take forward that agenda. The target is not FP8 in isolation or the specific case of Joint Programming Initiatives but rather a means of embedding these as a core element of wider cooperation and coordination mechanisms/processes around the challenges facing the sectors examined.
Similarly, the participation in foresight through the project is not confined to research policymakers but is actively seeking the engagement of policymakers and other stakeholders from the sectors from which needs and challenges emerge, including policy Directorates General and equivalent national ministries and agencies, and business and social interests.
In terms of methodology the core approach is the 'success scenario workshop'. It is an action-based approach, with the shared vision among senior stakeholders of what success in the area would look like being specified in terms of goals and indicators which begin the process of developing a road map to get there. The discussion and debate involved develops mutual understanding and a common platform of knowledge that helps to align the actors for action. The workshop approach is supported by a mapping of the research and innovation ecosystem. Towards the end of the process roadmaps or implementation plans are developed.
Progress has focused upon refinement of the approach and building stakeholder engagement in the selected areas. The first theme was 'application of breakthrough technologies to adaptation to climate change in agriculture'. This met the criteria for a sectorally driven topic, was research driven and had a clear and vital European policy challenge. There was strong stakeholder engagement from the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) and DG RTD Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Aquaculture. An initial description of the ecology was prepared as background for the workshop and the event was held in Brussels on 14 December with the participation of 26 senior experts in agriculture and related technologies, policy and foresight.
Currently a second workshop is at an advanced stage of preparation on the theme of 'Dynamising innovation policy: giving innovation a central role in European policy'.
The remaining workshops are on the topics of education in the context of the ageing society' and on breakthrough applications of nanotechnology. At present discussions are being held with stakeholders to refine the approach and to generate engagement.
Project members have been significantly engaged in dissemination and networking activities including the ERA Conference and World in 2025. The coordinator and chair of advisory board are both members of a high-level working group convened by the ESF on framework conditions for joint programming science foresight. Substantial informal dialogues have been held with senior Commission and national figures.
The project is a pilot study which develops and tests in real situations a foresight methodology designed to bring together key stakeholders to explore the longer term challenges which face their sector (or which cut across sectors) and to build a shared vision that could guide the development of the relevant European research agenda. This includes identifying changes in the European Research and Innovation Ecosystem which would be needed to take forward that agenda. The target is not FP8 in isolation or the specific case of Joint Programming Initiatives but rather a means of embedding these as a core element of wider cooperation and coordination mechanisms/processes around the challenges facing the sectors examined.
Similarly, the participation in foresight through the project is not confined to research policymakers but is actively seeking the engagement of policymakers and other stakeholders from the sectors from which needs and challenges emerge, including policy Directorates General and equivalent national ministries and agencies, and business and social interests.
In terms of methodology the core approach is the 'success scenario workshop'. It is an action-based approach, with the shared vision among senior stakeholders of what success in the area would look like being specified in terms of goals and indicators which begin the process of developing a road map to get there. The discussion and debate involved develops mutual understanding and a common platform of knowledge that helps to align the actors for action. The workshop approach is supported by a mapping of the research and innovation ecosystem. Towards the end of the process roadmaps or implementation plans are developed.
Progress has focused upon refinement of the approach and building stakeholder engagement in the selected areas. The first theme was 'application of breakthrough technologies to adaptation to climate change in agriculture'. This met the criteria for a sectorally driven topic, was research driven and had a clear and vital European policy challenge. There was strong stakeholder engagement from the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) and DG RTD Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Aquaculture. An initial description of the ecology was prepared as background for the workshop and the event was held in Brussels on 14 December with the participation of 26 senior experts in agriculture and related technologies, policy and foresight.
Currently a second workshop is at an advanced stage of preparation on the theme of 'Dynamising innovation policy: giving innovation a central role in European policy'.
The remaining workshops are on the topics of education in the context of the ageing society' and on breakthrough applications of nanotechnology. At present discussions are being held with stakeholders to refine the approach and to generate engagement.
Project members have been significantly engaged in dissemination and networking activities including the ERA Conference and World in 2025. The coordinator and chair of advisory board are both members of a high-level working group convened by the ESF on framework conditions for joint programming science foresight. Substantial informal dialogues have been held with senior Commission and national figures.