Yesterday morning European Members of Parliament auditioned Research, Science and Innovation Commissioner-Designate Carlos Moedas from Portugal. Ecsite’s lobbying efforts paid: science and society got a mention in this highly visible hearing, thanks to Polish MEP Michał Boni who asked a question on the “Science for and with society” objective of the Horizon 2020 programme. In his question, Boni insisted that “involvement of our societies is the background for real innovation” and reminded that “European citizens, through their representatives, have clearly expressed their demand for a much stronger two-way involvement of citizens in the research and innovation process and of the research actors in society.” In his answer, Moedas mentioned two public consultations conducted on Horizon 2020 and science 2.0 as “steps already being taken to get citizens and civil society more on board” and highlighted the importance of “forums”. “But”, he stated, “you have to explain to people why it is important. The role of politicians is to explain by simple words why things are important. If we can do that, people will come to us and understand better”.

Ecsite caught up with Boni after the hearing and asked him to comment the answer he received. “Yesterday, during the hearing of designated Commissioner Moedas, I asked him about the involvement of society in the research and innovation processes,” Boni explained. “In his answer he focused on some crucial problems such as how to consult with scientists. But the question is much more important. If we want to build a powerful vehicle for innovation in Europe, we need to empower people and create a good climate for future innovators. The basis for innovation and creativity is participation. All people, from children and pupils to the silver generation – adequately – should be empowered and involved in the value chain of innovation. We need the active involvement of all stakeholders and all partners into debates on the future of innovation. We really need a two-way process of cooperation, not only top-down information.” “Why it is so crucial? Social awareness of science development, social support for innovation, better understanding of research needs are the key drivers for opening minds and making societies much more open. In the digital era we need open data, open flows of knowledge, open participation in decision-making processes. Crowdsourcing is one of these methods improving participation. This is fundamental, if we think about science with and for society. This forms the background of our shared economic development.”

Re-watch the hearing online (three interesting questions relating to citizen participation and public engagement if you start around time mark 11:25:00, with Boni’s question around 11:33:25).

Special thanks to all involved in turning our daily lobbying work in Brussels into a publicly visible outcome, in particular to Robert Firmhofer from Copernicus (Warsaw, Poland) for setting up contact with MEP Michał Boni. Ecsite of course also thanks Michał Boni for showing a true interest in this question and being ready for action, a collaboration we are hoping to sustain.