14 Apr 2025
PSF Mutual Learning Exercise on Public Engagement publishes findings
The European Commission's Policy Support Facility (PSF) has published the outcome of its Mutual Learning Exercise on Public Engagement. Under the title 'Bringing research closer to society: key lessons and next steps for Public Engagement in R&I', the MLE has analysed how research and innovation can better respond to societal needs.
Public engagement (PE) plays a key role in making R&I more inclusive and democratic. To explore best practices and address challenges, eight countries -Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, and Sweden - took part in the Horizon Europe Policy Support Facility’s Mutual Learning Exercise (MLE) on Public Engagement in R&I.
Between January 2024 and April 2025, the MLE focused on four key areas: an overview of public engagement, its successes and challenges, the relationship between public engagement and framework conditions, and its role within the European Research Area (ERA).
The participants produced a set of policy recommendations and best practices, aimed at embedding PE in national strategies, equipping researchers with the necessary skills, and fostering cross-border collaboration.