RIF

Research and Innovation Futures 2030: From explorative to transformative scenarios

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The RIF project aims to a) systematize knowledge on emerging patterns, trends and drivers of change in ways of doing and organising research in our knowledge societies, b) provide an outlook on future pathways for STI systems and practices by way of scenarios, c) assess and identify key issues of the scenarios against the background of the emerging European Research Area, and) to establish a dialogue on future perspectives for STI in order to identify strategic options and opportunities for action. RIF focuses on the dynamics of change resulting from the interplay of developments inside and outside of STI systems. It is based on the assumption that current trends will give rise to certain tensions and dilemmas which may be resolved within the constraints of current institutional settings, or else through substantial transformation of STI systems and practices. The project will set out from a comprehensive stocktaking of European and international forward-looking activities, and an analysis of academic literature on emerging new modes of doing and organising research. This serves as the basis for a two-stage interactive scenario process. At first explorative scenarios with a time horizon of 2020 will be developed based on exploration of current trends and drivers within the constraints of today’s STI framework. These scenarios will point towards key critical junctures in ways of doing and organising research. The second phase will generate long-term transformative scenarios towards 2030 that may incorporate significant structural and institutional changes in STI systems and practices. In a series of tailored interactive workshops the scenarios’ implications for key policy objectives will be assessed and strategic options for different actors and stakeholders explored. RIF will rely on extensive stakeholder interaction, using both face-to-face formats and Web 2.0 tools. A range of dissemination activities ensures a widespread debate of RIF findings by stakeholders.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A European project examined the dynamics of change as a result of developments in science, technology and innovation (STI) systems. With a particular focus on societal context, the RIF team considered the implications for the future of STI and its role in society.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The 'Research and innovation futures 2030: From explorative to transformative scenarios' (http://www.rif2030.eu (RIF)) project posited that current STI trends and developments will likely lead to tensions and conflicts that must be addressed. Tackling them in current institutional settings only may not be enough. Thus, STI systems as well as research and innovation (R & I) practices may need to undergo a major transformation.

To this end, RIF members developed five transformative scenarios: Open Research Platforms, Knowledge Parliaments, Grand Challenges for Real, Knowledge Value Chains, and Researchers' Choice. Taking into account stakeholders' perspectives, strategic issues and strategic options, six main themes were identified around which joint agendas and action plans could be formulated.

The transformative scenarios were assessed from a European policy perspective, and several policy challenges were identified in association with six main themes, covering science and society, research careers, research funding, access to knowledge, science infrastructures, and policies on globalised R & I futures.

These are areas that need to be addressed if future STI is to meet the three overarching policy goals related to responsible research and innovation, the European Research Area (ERA) and grand challenges.

With regard to strategy and policy, RIF sketched strategies of cooperation and conflict for each scenario and also across scenarios. Project work in this area supported the formulation of specific 'robust' packages for strategic policy action, as well as flexible options accounting for specific risks and opportunities in individual scenarios.

RIF placed great emphasis on the positive impact of stakeholder involvement in knowledge formation and production. A specific approach was developed to identify various stakeholder groups and map them systematically. The groups were divided across policy formulation and coordination bodies, the academic and research community, businesses, and civil society and non-governmental organisations.

Communication and engagement efforts thus build awareness of future challenges and developments in STI. They also facilitate stakeholder involvement and support active contribution to discussions and processes of scenario building.

he RIF project delivered relevant reports detailing important results and findings, and worked to gather key results in a final 'Futures Brief' that will be made freely available. Other dissemination activities included papers and conferences, as well as two national dissemination events in Austria and Finland.