Systematizing science-policy interactions: A description of formats from Switzerland and Finland

Engage working paper


Author / Producer

Date

2025-03-24

Publication Type

Working Paper

ETH Bibliography

yes

Citations

Altmetric

Data

Abstract

Policymakers rely on the best available knowledge to address the complex policy challenges of our times, such as global pandemics or the mitigation and adaptation to climate change. In response, many mechanisms and formats for science-policy exchange have been created, yet there is little overview of these formats, limited clarity on their suitability for different contexts, and insufficient scaling of innovative approaches. This report introduces an analytical framework to understand science-policy interactions and systematically describes ten formats, based on expert interviews and case studies from Switzerland and Finland. The formats are described in terms of strengths and resources, process features, activities, implementation factors, roles of actors, and societal effects. Recognizing the diversity of formats and actors, individual formats must be complemented by situating them within the broader science-for-policy ecosystem. A cross-analysis shows that one size does not fit all, but that the design of a format should be aligned with its intended goals and the context in which it operates.

Publication status

published

External links

Editor

Book title

Journal / series

Volume

Pages / Article No.

Publisher

ETH Zurich, USYS TdLab

Event

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

Science-policy dialogue; Science-policy interface

Organisational unit

02351 - TdLab / TdLab check_circle

Notes

Supervised by Christian Pohl

Funding

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