ABSTRACT
This chapter shows how innovative public engagement (PE) processes have contributed to a more dynamic and responsible governance of research and innovation. From a sociological perspective, the changes affecting science are part of a wider array of transformations touching contemporary societies as a whole. People's decreasing trust in scientific institutions is leading to a growing demand for accountability and transparency. PE with science describes intentional, meaningful interactions that provide opportunities for mutual learning between scientists and members of the public. It involves specialists in higher education listening to, developing their understanding of, and interacting with nonspecialists. The levels of participatory performance were measured by identifying the number of structures and processes supporting open dialogues and public deliberation on research and innovation per country. Scholars of democracy have studied innovations in democracy and democratic deliberation, while researchers in innovation studies have tracked new ways of involving users, consumers and 'prosumers' in the development of new products and services.
