Open Science, Open Engagement of Societal Actors and the Changing Research Landscape

Abstract

Open engagement of social actors is the process of creating inclusive and participatory environments where diverse individuals and groups can come together to share ideas, resources and expertise to achieve common objectives. In research, the active involvement and participation of various stakeholders can include communities, organizations and individuals in the research process. This approach recognizes that research is not solely the domain of experts but rather a collaborative effort that benefits from diverse perspectives and expertise. Open access on the other hand is the principle of making research, knowledge and resources freely available to all, without any barriers or restrictions. This chapter looks at how these approaches open spaces through communication, collaboration, inclusivity, transparency cooperation and trust among participants, and how these are crucial for the democratization of knowledge and acceleration of innovations in addressing societal/challenges and achieving the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs). The chapter views that practices such as citizen and participatory science, crowdfunding, crowdsourcing and scientific volunteering during the research cycle make research more inclusive and accessible to the broader society and more responsive to public needs. The chapter concludes by looking at how institutions can align the UNESCO Recommendations on Open Science with research approaches and policies.