Exploring the Science-Policy Interface: Insights from the 2024 Ghent Group Annual Meeting
Living Labs Workshop: Fostering the Science-Policy Interface
The Living Labs Workshop, organised by the Joint Programming Initiative on Food Security, Agriculture, and Climate Change (FACCE-JPI), set the stage for a dynamic exploration of how living labs—experimental environments that involve multiple stakeholders in real-world problem-solving—can enhance the science-policy interface. The central question was: Can Living Labs help foster the science-policy interface, and if so, under what conditions?
Key insights from the session highlighted the multi-faceted role of living labs in bridging the gap between scientific research and policy-making. Participants learned that living labs don't function through a single pathway but evolve through various phases of science-policy relations. In some cases, living labs may serve as an evidence-producing tool, while in others, they function as participatory policy labs, actively involving policymakers and other stakeholders in the process.
One of the most important takeaways from the workshop was the realisation that living labs require significant time, sustained resources, and flexibility to succeed. They are complex and need careful planning to ensure long-term engagement from all involved actors. The case study bazaar gave participants a chance to explore different approaches through real-world examples and discussions with the people behind the projects. It illustrated the diverse strategies for integrating science into policy development, from top-down to bottom-up approaches.
Ghent Group Annual Meeting: Science in Policy-Making
The Ghent Group Annual Meeting, led by Wageningen University & Research, held on 6-7 November, delved deeper into the science-policy interface, focusing on the role of science in tackling the dilemmas faced by policymakers.
The first day included a series of discussions on conceptualising science-policy relations. One of themes was policy coherence, building on last year's workshop, which includes internal, external, vertical, and horizontal coherence. Participants explored methodologies from CLEVERFOOD and CREA for assessing policy coherence, which is crucial for ensuring that policies are aligned and work towards common goals.
The second day focused on collaboration, with experts from Wageningen University & Research and ILVO leading discussions on multi-actor governance. Participants worked together to develop actionable strategies for improving science-policy cooperation, underscoring the need for ongoing dialogue and shared understanding.
Mansholt Lecture
The Mansholt Lecture, delivered by Wageningen University & Research, presented five key dilemmas in science-based policy, offering thought-provoking insights into the challenges that scientists and policymakers face.
The lecture emphasised the importance of setting socially just boundaries and ensuring environmentally safe limits for debates within the policymaking process. As the lecture concluded, it was clear that policymakers need to engage in open dialogues, where the constraints of one choice are understood in the context of broader systemic implications.
Read more about the lecture here.
Conclusion
The events underscored the critical role of Living Labs and science-based advice in shaping policies that are both effective and sustainable. Both the Living Labs Workshop and the Ghent Group Annual Meeting demonstrated that while challenges remain, particularly in navigating complex dilemmas, there is recognition that science must be at the heart of policymaking.
In the coming months, the findings from these events will be captured in a Workshop Synthesis Paper, which will offer a detailed overview of the strategies and insights gained from the Living Labs case studies and the broader discussions on science-policy integration.