Politicians have a considerable influence on the societal impact of science. A sustainable future, to a large extent, builds upon how today’s politicians view knowledge, science and the role of science in society. An active dialogue between politicians and researchers is therefore important.
In 2006 VA conducted a survey in four parts on how politicians relate to science: an interview survey of Members of Parliament and municipal-level politicians and their attitudes towards and opinions of science and researchers (2006:2), an analysis of the science-related content of the political parties’ own journals (2006:3), a book in which politicians and researchers develop their own view of inherent relationships (2006:4, Kunskapsbiten), and a literature study (2006:6). The interview survey included a special sample of members of the Stockholm City Council (described in 2006:7).
For an overview of the most important results, read Politics & Science in Sweden, which summarises all aspects of the survey: Politics & Science in Sweden, 2006
The results were presented and discussed at a session during ESOF 2008. Documentation: Report: Bridging the Science – Politics Gap and a short Summary
The results were also presented and discussed at seminars during the annual Swedish Almedalen Week for politicians in 2006 and 2007. The summaries of these seminars are in Swedish.
Following the Swedish general elections of 2010, VA conducted a survey among the general public to investigate to what extent issues on research and innovation had influenced their choice of political party (report in Swedish).
As part of our 2018 campaign #HowDoYouKnowThat?, VA explored the election manifestos of the Swedish political parties for mentions of research and/or evidence-based policies (report in Swedish).
In 2012 VA produced a report for the PLACES EC FP7 project on
• Scientific culture in Sweden
The report focuses on the place of science in society in Sweden and scientific culture in local policies. Some of the main science centres, museums and science events in Sweden are also described. You can download the report here.
