Action plan to facilitate knowledge-based policymaking for science, technology and innovation
Sound policymaking in science, technology and innovation (ST&I) represents an important aspect of promoting European competitiveness, as well as stoking the economy. The EU-funded PACITA(opens in new window) (Parliaments and civil society in technology assessment) project strengthened knowledge-based policymaking on issues involving ST&I. Work centred around an action plan that can draw on the diversity of practices in parliamentary technology assessment (PTA). It consists of four major aims: to enhance and expand European capacity on evidence-based policymaking and policymaking based on using science and research; promote public engagement in science; improve two-way communication between scientists and other stakeholders; and ensure ethics in science. To realise the action plan, project partners delivered reports that describe and compare current European PTA practices, discuss past, present and future EU-wide PTA efforts, and explore opportunities for and barriers to TA in countries where it is not yet established. They also published a book about existing practices and institutions dedicated to PTA in order to establish a common European TA capacity for knowledge-based policymaking. A portal was set up to serve as an information hub that provides information about TA activities in Europe and beyond. Two summer schools were held to introduce relevant stakeholders to TA and facilitate its mobilisation. Four practitioners' meetings took place to train managers on implementing TA projects. Two parliamentary debates and two scientific conferences were organised to mobilise key actors on establishing TA capacity throughout Europe and raising awareness of its benefits at EU and national levels. Lastly, the PACITA team undertook cross-European example projects on three technology assessment-related challenges, namely public health genomics, ageing society and sustainable consumption. PACITA encouraged interactive parliamentary assessment in countries without institutionalised PTA. This will create awareness among parliamentarians to act effectively on issues related to economy, health, welfare, environment and resources based on European collaboration.