Content of CKIR Workshop 2011

Societal Transformation - Instruments for Renewal in Europe

In our shared European vision the societies are increasingly transparent, sustainable and ethically responsible, and the well fare of people is ensured by transparent economic, political and social development. We share the sense of urgency to react to the grand societal challenges, we witness an unforeseen window of opportunity for accelerated societal development. Collaborative research, development and innovation are the central instruments contributing to social, societal, environmental, economic and political renewal with the potential to transform and improve the functioning of our society, economy and everyday life in fundamental ways.

The European growth strategy is built on three mutually reinforcing priorities: smartness, sustainability and inclusiveness. The European as well as national funding instruments are systematically evaluated and further developed to support the implementation of this strategy in various contexts and domains. We are in the state of development where the foundational principles have been laid and the main stakeholders mobilized. This is now the time for bold initiatives to build the new systems and concepts based on the European realities and strengths.

This workshop discusses the current state of the art in the development of new types of societal dynamics and infrastructures for societal transformation. We explore the elements, actors, contexts, regulations and social dynamics for shared value and wealth creation, and their trajectories in socio-ecological transition. Studied methodologies and instruments include peer-to-peer production, open innovation, public sector innovation, pre-commercial procurement, transition management perspectives, social innovation and policy coordination methods, user experience and user behavior methods, as well as living lab experimentation.

It is time to pause to observe and reflect, are the current drivers, policies, hierarchies and new types of research, development and innovation methods contributing to sustainable societal transformation and ultimately to inclusive knowledge economy. Join us in this workshop where we aim to take a critical look at the current state of affairs and vision next steps in the path to making the digital knowledge economy a reality.