Data plus democracy can help society get the science it needs

A more plural and open approach to priority setting is needed if research portfolios are to be targeted at the most pressing societal challenges, says Ismael Ràfols.

Policymakers are increasingly turning to research and innovation to help solve global challenges, from climate change to ageing societies. Yet at the same time, there is growing concern about the capture of public research by private interests, for example in health or green technology. There seems to be a contradiction: on the one hand, greater hopes are placed on research; on the other hand, there is concern that research priorities may often not truly respond to public needs.

It is becoming clear that to maximise the contribution of research to meeting societal needs, it is not enough to pour resources into a given ‘challenge’. It is also necessary to question research priorities and consider a wider range of innovation trajectories than at present. This may mean shifting resources towards agendas better aligned with societal goals such as sustainable development.