The Province of Overijssel and the University of Twente (DesignLab and Research group Communication Science) investigated the extent to which Overijssel residents are engaged in shaping the region’s research and innovation policy. The outcomes show residents would like to be more involved and at the same time, have concerns about themes such as energy transition and agriculture.
Provincial stakeholders have their say
The themes smart cities, transport and energy are centred around the project. A survey was conducted amongst 1,660 residents to gain an insight onto the level of interest and engagement of Overijssel residents in these themes. In addition, four provincial stakeholders were interviewed in their capacities of policy maker, citizen, or entrepreneur.
Involve residents more often
The input from participants provided new and useful insights into how provincial stakeholders can be involved in research and innovation to a greater extent and sooner. Anne Dijkstra, senior communications researcher and DesignLab Research Fellow, led the study and explains the results. "The survey showed there is a high level of confidence in regional institutions in Overijssel, for example. This confidence can be bolstered by communicating openly about innovations". Looking at the use of resources for public engagement and the level of acceptance, the best way to encourage public dialogue is through the use of online media channels. In addition, it emerged that not all groups of respondents have a need for frequent contact.
As far as the conclusions, Dijkstra says: "It is important to bolster mutual trust between residents and regional institutions. This can be facilitated though civic participation. Small-scale community-based initiatives can foster greater resident engagement". Interviewees named scientific transparency and open communication about data as the third ‘experienced-based tip’. Furthermore, interviewees named energy transition, biodiversity and agriculture as regional points of concern, for example, what results will it produce in their region?
Next steps
The results of the study are an important source of information for the design of so-called Technomoral Scenarios for the four regions. Anne Dijkstra will immerse herself in this in the coming months. The scenarios are central to regional Multi-stakeholder Dialogues, taking place in the four countries under the leadership of DesignLab in the summer. Both citizens and representatives of regional institutions, companies and community organisations are invited to participate in these dialogues.
RRI2SCALE project
The study is part of the European RRI2SCALE project, which revolves around the research and innovation policies of four European regions, including Overijssel. Responsible Design, Citizen Science and a Transdisciplinary Approach; the project represents every focus area of DesignLab. For more detailed project information, involved partners and updates, please visit the website RRI2SCALE.
More information
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Maya van den Berg, programme manager DesignLab.
