Attention to VARIO advisory report for questions about the link between research, policy and citizens

On June 8th the Flemish Parliament debated the relationship between research, policy and citizens, in response to a request for clarification on this topic. Minister Brouns emphasized that the so-called "quadruple helix" - the alignment of policy, companies, researchers and citizens and society - has a fairly central place in innovation policy. During the discussion, reference was made to VARIO advisory report 26 on the Science Communication Policy Plan 2022-2030. "The VARIO report very clearly gave positive advice across the entire line, with a number of recommendations. One of those recommendations was about trying even harder to engage citizens in that science and communicate more broadly." it sounded. Brouns also underlined the importance of engaging citizens in science. “I also believe in the power of our ecosystems, where we can share a lot of knowledge. Specifically on involving citizens in that knowledge, are the examples referred to, science communication amai! and others important. I would also like to refer here to Flanders Technology & Innovation (FTI). We must take the opportunity to bring all this knowledge technology to the public and make it enthusiastic about science and scientific research." VARIO advisory report 16 ‘Involving Citizens in Science and Innovation Policy" even specifically addresses the topic.