Modelling cities
of scientific culture
18th April 2013
Capacity building session
Murcia
Background
There is not yet any well-established definition
for the concept of a City of Scientific Culture.
ERRIN is currently compiling a report based on
10 workshops which took place across Europe,
identifying models of “cities of scientific
culture.” The report aims to outline a typology
of what a city of scientific culture can look like.
Background
We are now looking for feedback on the six
types and three models of strategic integration
which we have identified, and which we outline
in this presentation document.
• Do you find the typology and models useful?
• Do you find some more relevant than others?
• Would you add a type or model?
Objectives of this process
• To identify and promote dynamic models of
cities of scientific culture
• To contribute to the debate on the role of
science communication, science policy and EU
research and innovation agenda
Proposed typology
Type 1. Science as an economic driver
– In these cities, engagement in science is promoted as a way for the city to
develop economically
Type 2. Science as/in society
– These cities focus on public engagement in science for informed, engaged
citizens
Type 3. Science as a model of participatory democracy
– These cities engage citizens in science specifically in order to play a role in
local policymaking
Type 4. Science as education
– These cities focus on goals related to education
Type 5. Science as research
– These cities focus on engaging the public and other stakeholders with local
research facilities
Type 6. Science as Smart Cities
– These cities focus on systems – energy, transport and ICT
Initial feedback from experts on
the six types
1. Most cities don’t fit into only one of the six types. It may be more
helpful to consider that a city could be a Type 1 in Biomedicine,
but a Type 3 in Waste management, for example.
2. One could argue that 2, 3 and 4 are closer to “true” Cities of
Scientific Culture, as they are more focused on citizen
engagement. 1, 5 and 6 could also be described simply as Cities of
Science. Could we separate them into three forms of public
engagement (2, 3 and 4) and three types of city of science (1, 5
and 6)?
3. One could also argue that 2, 3 and 4 represent “social” models of
Cities of Scientific Culture and that 1, 5 and 6 represent
“economic” models. Could we also separate them this way?
4. Could we add Green Cities? Science Heritage Cities? Science for
Social Inclusion as a separate type?
Points for discussion
1. Is the typology helpful?
2. Do you have comments on any particular points?
3. Would you add, remove or change any types in the
typology?
4. Do you agree with the initial feedback?
Three more models
Case studies in regional workshops also indicated that within
each of the six types, a three-level model can be identified which
looks at how well the strategic agenda is integrated in each city,
and whether it is deliberate or emergent:
A. Strategic agenda: cities have an agenda in place to
revive economies and improve citizens’ well-being
B. Developing agenda: cities in progression
C. Lacking agenda: cities with activities but without
strategic vision or political priority
Initial feedback from experts on
the three models
1. Again, most cities don’t fit into only one of the three
models. It may be more helpful to consider that a city could
be a Model A in Green issues but a Model B as a Smart City,
for example.
2. Some types don’t fit certain models. For example, it is not
easy to imagine a Smart City with no strategic agenda.
3. Could we consider splitting Model A into two sub-models:
cities which identify a problem in the city and define a
strategy to provide a solution; and cities which are successful
in their activities and who have a strategy in place to
maintain it?
4. Can we consider these models as stages in a process, where
C is the least developed and A is the most?
Points for discussion
1.
2.
3.
4.
Is the set of models helpful?
Do you have comments on any particular points?
Would you add, remove or change any models?
Do you agree with the initial feedback?
Anett Ruszanov
Projects Manager
[email protected]
Richard Tuffs
Director
[email protected]
3 rue du Luxembourg
B-1000 Brussels
Tel +32 2 503 3554
www.errinnetwork.eu
@ERRINNetwork
ERRINNetwork