Steering Scientific Research and Reaping its Benefits: Reflections On Dutch Science Policy

Abstract

Much is expected from scientific research. Governments hope to see solutions for complex policy challenges. Industries and businesses hope for innovations supporting their competitive edge. Society as a whole hopes for a deeper understanding of a complex world and safeguards for welfare and well-being. Last but not least, the community of scholars hopes to be able to understand, reflect, and explore. In the past, society was patiently waiting for results to emerge, trusting that clever scientists would be making new discoveries. Nowadays research is considered too important to be left to its own dynamics and, for that matter, to scientists themselves. The potential of science is to be reinforced, its impact and benefits channelled and increased. As a result, science policies have emerged that also raised an interest, first among politicians and policymakers, and more recently also among the general public.