We develop new formats to involve citizens in the innovation process. Our aim is for dialogue to lead to creative ideas, so that new technologies are geared to the needs of society.
The call for more citizen participation is an increasingly relevant challenge for many of our customers. Innovations such as e-mobility or artificial intelligence are being questioned by the public and the need to incorporate society’s values and wishes further into technological developments is growing.
Developing sustainable solutions together
Measures and funding activities gain support and acceptance when different interests and perspectives are included. Examples of this are the ‘future workshops’ that we hold with citizens for our customers. In these and other events, we work with the target groups to jointly develop new topics and funding measures that reflect society’s needs. Our experience shows that participation is demanded and, with the right support, can lead to constructive new ideas.
New and proven fields of citizen participation
In our work we enhance participation formats in a target group-appropriate manner:
- Integration of ethical, legal and social aspects in research practice: Applied research should focus on society’s needs from the outset. We help projects to align their goals with public values and wishes.
- Citizen participation to identify new topics: In workshops, we work together with citizens to develop possible approaches for solving challenges faced by society. The aim is to align future topics with society’s needs and to develop funding measures that are a perfect fit. In this respect, we also use new options for IT-supported participation.
- Evaluation of research programmes: Has research brought about an improvement for people? The impact of research and development should not be measured by academic success alone; practical improvements for people should also be taken into account.
For these and other topics, our customers receive proven as well as innovative tools, with which funding practices can be aligned to society’s needs.
