Agenda for Research

Important results from the project

IVAs aim is to place research policy issues higher up on the political agenda by using existing research policy studies and contributing to the creation of new knowledge sources. Dialogue will be the format used. IVA will run a three-year project entitled Agenda for Research which will provide a forum for research policy debate in Sweden. Dialogue about research and innovation policy issues will involve elected officials in the Government and Parliament, research financiers, those conducting research (universities, institutes) and those using research results (industry, public sector, organisations). The goal is to elevate and strengthen the research policy debate in Sweden.

Expected long term effects

Issues for research and innovation shall become more prioritized in ministries and parlament.

Approach and implementation

The dialogue will be based on existing studies but will also identify knowledge gaps and make an inventory of the needs of the target groups. Through its steering committee the project will then be able to initiate targeted studies of the research and innovation system. The project will thus result in supporting materials and documentation for the next research and innovation policy bill. Preparations for the project will begin in autumn 2009 when a steering committee will be assembled and the work process will be planned. In spring 2010 the steering committee will meet and the task of structuring the content of the project and identifying focus areas will begin. The steering committee will be chaired by Mr Arne Wittlöv, former Chairman of IVA, and will include representatives from research financiers who are also funding the project. The dialogue and the studies will be made available through customised target group information packets and communication activities. Round table discussions, hearings and seminars will be important activities within the framework of the project.