INTERACTS aims at improving cooperation in science, research and development between small to medium NGOs and universities through intermediaries such as science shops. The objective of this was to strengthen the interaction between research institutions and society.

The growing need to create a culture of socially acceptable science, research and development and to make them more accessible to citizens creates new challenges for policy makers. How can the RTD system become more accountable? How can intermediaries such as science shops increase awareness of what potential lies in cooperation between universities and small to medium NGOs? What are the expectations for future cooperation between NGOs and universities? What are functions NGOs and individual researchers expect from these collaborations? What are the needs and opportunities for these types of cooperation and how do they change over time?

INTERACTS is a pioneering cross-national study. Organisations and institutions from seven different countries collaborate across disciplines to identify necessary changes in structures and routines in the RTD system. The aim is to improve future interaction between NGOs, researchers, and intermediaries like science shops. By collating results from different countries, a broader picture of experiences can emerge, which focusses on impacts on future science shops, future expectations and policy relevance.

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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