Eu-SPRI Winter School on Transformative Change
The European Forum for Studies of Policies for Research and Innovation, Eu-SPRI Forum, has announced it is piloting a new series of Winter and Summer schools. The Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex will host the first session of this series on the theme of ‘Transformative Change’ from 16 to 20 January 2017. There are just 30 places available. This series aims to provide state-of-the-art training in the study of science and innovation policy and supporting disciplines, catering for early career scholars and professionals at different stages of their academic life. It concentrates on current research and debates, with emphasis on policy and pressing societal challenges.
The combined hues of environmental degradation, climate change, rising inequalities, democratic deficit, a protracted economic crisis, and the displacement of large populations by war, paint a complex picture that is evocative of crisis and urgency. Governments, multilateral organisations, businesses and civil society have been engaged in composing new global agendas for facing these challenges. This is evident in the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement, in the efforts of the International Panel on Climate Change, Future Earth and International Panel on Social Progress, as well as in many bottom-up grassroots and inclusive innovation activities. These engagements, agendas and research programmes signal a need to reframe Science, Technology and Innovation policies, under the overarching notion of ‘Transformative Change’, with changes in its objectives, scope of action, scales and pace. This emerging frame taps into ongoing debates in research, policy and practice, and places greater emphasis on systemic responses, and renewed notions of social progress and democracy. The Organising Committee from SPRU for the debut Winter School are:
Through seminars and discussions, the school participants will explore conceptual underpinnings and its connection and departure from conventional STI policy. Sessions will also discuss concrete examples of efforts to promote such transformations. Three guiding questions will be addressed:
- How may contrasting understandings of Transformative Change can be brought to bear on policy responses to pressing contemporary challenges?
- How do we ensure such responses are inclusive and democratic?
- How do we advance such responses through transdisciplinary approaches and alliances?
The Course Objectives
Participants will become familiar with the state-of-the-art of the emerging Transformative Change frame, being able to:
• Critically examine the prevalent framings of science and technology policy, placing them in historical perspective
• Recognise and discuss the emerging policy practices which embody the Transformative Change framing
• Identify and critically assess methods and approaches with the potential to ‘open-up’ and democratise STI policies
• Consider the role of alternative science and technology indicators
• Reflect on the relevance of the Transformative Change frame to their current research and professional practice
Applicants should submit a PDF document consisting of:
- A motivation letter (1 page, 500 words)
- A brief CV (2 pages)
- A recommendation letter (300 words)
Applicants are requested to use the Europass template.
Applications will be evaluated on three criteria:
- Demonstrable research/professional and personal commitment on Transformative Change (motivation letter and CV)
- Likelihood that the participant will benefit from the training (motivation letter)
- Track-record (CV and recommendation letter)
Applications should be sent before the 5th November, 17:00, to j.torrens@sussex.ac.uk.
Course Fees
Accommodation is provided by SPRU, but all participants should make their travel arrangements independently.
Participants from Eu-SPRI member organisations have fee waivers covering the course, accommodation, and catering costs.
Participants from other institutions are subject to a 500€ fee to cover the course, accommodation, and catering costs.