To strengthen the interaction between research institutions and society, INTERACTS aims at improving cooperation in science, research and development of small to medium NGO’s with universities through intermediaries such as science shops.

The growing need to create a culture of socially acceptable science, research and development and to make them accessible to citizens creates new challenges to policy makers. How can the RTD system become more accountable? What are the potentials of interaction through intermediaries such as science shops to increase awareness of the mutual benefits of cooperation between universities and small to medium NGO’s? What are the expectations for future cooperation between NGO’s and universities? What are the functions NGO’s and individual researchers expect these collaborations to perform? What are the changing needs and opportunities for this type of cooperation?

INTERACTS is a pioneer cross-national study by organisations and institutions from seven different countries collaborating across disciplines to identify necessary changes in structures and routines in the RTD system for improving the future interaction between NGO’s, researchers, and intermediaries like science shops. Bringing together the results from different countries will allow a broader picture to emerge concerning past experience with impact of science shops, future expectations and policy relevance. Thereby, INTERACTS contributes to the strengthening of the interaction between research institutions and society and gives more in-depth understanding of processes and effects of knowledge production.

INTERACTS is an Accompanying Measure to ISSNET, the Thematic Network preparing the future International Science Shop Network, and financed by the European Commission, DG 12.

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