A framework for Science Shop processes: Results of a modified Delphi study

Abstract

Science Shops are structures that facilitate science-society collaborations by providing independent, participatory research support in response to concerns experienced by civil society. The current Research and Innovation (R&I) system is under increasing pressure to become more inclusive and responsive to current and future societal challenges. Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and Open Science are policy imperatives to come to conceptual and practical ways to transform the R&I system in this direction. However, the widespread implementation of RRI approaches is not yet straightforward. This article focuses on how Science Shops can serve as models to translate RRI, participatory research and Open Science policies into practice. After three Delphi rounds and one expert panel with science shop practitioners, our approached evolved from a pure university-based model to a process-based framework of Science Shops work. Such a process-view is essential for scaling up Science Shops as platforms for piloting and diffusing best practices in RRI and Open Science. Through bridging different scientific and social knowledge, Science Shops can improve the effectiveness, quality, acceptance, impact and sustainability of solutions for complex societal problems and become RRI best-practices for approaches of co-creation, anticipation, reflection and deliberation in science with and for society.