Watchdogs of the European system

The European Commission recently announced plans for a new Scientific Advisory Mechanism, to replace its Chief Scientific Adviser. What are the prospects for this new mechanism, and what uncertainties remain about how it will work in practice

The disrupters: Lessons for low-carbon innovation from the new wave of environmental pioneers

We need disruptive forms of innovation 13 cheaper, easier-to-use alternatives to existing products or services, often produced by non-traditional players for previously ignored customers. This report tells the stories of eight such "disrupters" and draws wider lessons for low-carbon innovation. Its recommendations include: 1. Government should provide an enabling policy framework within which low-carbon innovation ca

Science advice to governments: diverse systems, common challenges

This briefing paper formed the basis of discussions at the 'Science Advice to Governments' summit, which took place in Auckland, New Zealand from 28-29 August 2014, and was attended by science advisors and policymakers from 48 countries

Future directions for scientific advice in Europe

Across Europe, scientific evidence and advice is in great demand, to inform policies and decision making on issues such as climate change, new technologies and environmental regulation. But the diversity of political cultures and attitudes to expertise in different European countries can make the task of designing EU-wide advisory institutions and processes both sensitive and complex. In January 2015, President Juncker asked Commissioner Moedas to report on options for improving scientific advice within the European Commission. At a time when these issues are higher than usual on the political agenda, it is important that the case for scientific advice and evidence-informed policy is articulated and analysed afresh. To support these efforts, this collection brings together agenda-setting essays by policymakers, practitioners, scientists and scholars from across Europe. Authors include Anne Glover, Ulrike Felt, Robert Madelin, Andy Stirling, Vladimír Šucha and Jos van der Meer. Their contributions outline various challenges but also constructive ways forward for scientific advice in Europe

The past, present and future of the Chief Scientific Advisor

This paper explores the evolution of the Chief Scientific Advisor role, from its origins in the US and UK, to its increasing popularity in other national and international contexts. It distils some of the lessons learned in recent years about the strengths and limitations of the CSA model. And it reflects on what the recent argument over a European Commission CSA reveals about the politics and prospects for scientific advice

China's absorptive State: research, innovation and the prospects for China-UK collaboration

China's innovation system is advancing so rapidly in multiple directions that the UK needs to develop a more ambitious and tailored strategy, able to maximise opportunities and minimise risks across the diversity of its innovation links to China. For the UK, the choice is not whether to engage more deeply with the Chinese system, but how. This report analyses the policies, prospects and dilemmas for Chinese research and innovation over the next decade. It is designed to inform a more strategic approach to supporting China-UK collaboration

Analysts, advocates and applicators – understanding and engaging with different actors in the evidence for policy movement

Superficially connecting evidence to policy might seem like singular process that brings together different actors towards a common end. However, drawing on a qualitative study of professionals in the evidence – policy field, Jasper Montana and James Wilsdon present a new taxonomy for understanding the different groups working at this intersection and advise how researchers might engage with them effectively at different stages of their research

The business of people: the significance of social science over the next decade

Tackling infectious disease, coping with climate change, boosting growth – the major challenges facing our society and economy demand sharp social science. This 2015 pre-election report from the Campaign for Social Science makes urgent recommendations – on research funding, social science capacity and use of expert advice by government – to maximise social science’s contribution through the next Parliament and beyond

Sustainability in turbulent times: lessons from the Nexus Network for supporting transdisciplinary research

Since its launch in June 2014, the ESRC Nexus Network has worked to support transdisciplinary research at the food-water-energy-environment nexus, and to create meaningful links between communities of researchers, policymakers, business leaders and practitioners. Through its activities, the Network has shown that social science is vital. The language of the nexus highlights the need for interconnected thinking between natural and social sciences, and between the research community and decision makers. This report summarises and reflects on those activities