SCIENCE AND POLICY – A CRUCIAL RELATIONSHIP

1) Science is a fundamental pillar of the knowledge-based society. Science provides innovation, technological development, and ultimately benefits to humanity. Science is also a value per se, expanding the frontiers of knowledge and should not only be judged in economic terms.

2) Science can help make better policies. In an ever more complex and globalised economy and society, its importance is growing. Yet, it is just one element in decision-making. Governmental decisions are ultimately political. Contrary to scientists, policy-makers are elected, which gives them the right (and the duty) to take decisions.

3) The dialogue between science and policy is not straight forward. Policy-makers have multiple sources of solicited and unsolicited advice, thus science does not speak with one voice. Scientific evidence is not always welcomed by policy-makers, which can lead to it being ignored or distorted. 

Read more: Annex #1: 15 Key Findings & Recommendations