“Science meets Regions” (SMR) originated in 2016, in the wake of a series of high level “Science meets Parliament” events organised by the JRC. It was soon realised that a thriving science for policy ecosystem at EU level requires an equally solid evidence-informed framework at local and regional level, where policies are actually implemented. It was this gap that SMR set out to fll, through a range of instruments (policy events, innovation camps, studies and pairing schemes). The present report draws some tentative conclusions and looks at early impacts of the programme. Overall, the SMR initiative reveals a strong demand for regional science-policy exchange activities, with many organizers eager to address local challenges by bringing stakeholders together. The EU’s leadership, particularly through JRC’s fnancial and methodological support, was crucial and highly valued. Most organizers reported positive experiences, showing the initiative successfully energized a cohort of organizations and advocates. Innovation Camps were notably effective in engaging diverse participants and encouraging new methods. To enhance future impact, recommendations include deeper government involvement, better preparation phases, and targeted regional support. These insights are essential for shaping EU policies to strengthen science-policy connections and promote regional development.
Authors
Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Stroobants, Karen, Bleasdale, Ben
- Catalogue number
- KJ-06-24-158-EN-N KJ-06-24-158-EN-C
- Citation
- European Commission: Joint Research Centre, Stroobants, K. and Bleasdale, B., Science Meets Regions 2021-2024 – Advancing evidence for policy at local and regional level early outcomes and impact , Publications Office of the European Union, 2024, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/668995
- DOI
- https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/654263 https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/668995
- ISBN
- 978-92-68-20261-6
- Pages
- 81
- Published in
- Belgium
- Themes
- Regional policy and regional economies , Research policy and organisation
Table of Contents
- 2.1 introduction 15
- 2.2 motivations and experiences 17
- 2.3 models of participation 18
- 2.4 challenges experienced 19
- 2.5 outcomes and expected impacts 24
- 2.6 impact of JRC support 28
- 3.1 introduction 33
- 3.2 case study 34
- 3.3 impact of the pairing schemes 37
- 4.1 introduction 43
- 4.2 design of the course 45
- 4.3 impact of the training courses 46
- SMR 50
- 5.1 demonstrable demand for science- policy exchange activities at the regional level 51
- Very satisfied - the action was effective in connecting people from very different backgrounds and knowl- edge areas in order to tackle local challenges. -SMR participant. 52
- 5.2 an engaged and enthused cohort of organisations and advocates 52
- 5.3 an opportunity to build on strengths and successes 53
- 5.4 optimising a future instrument lessons learned 55
