bidtResearch in dialogue
What is research in dialogue?
Research at the bidt is carried out by dialogue. This approach is characterised by open, bidirectional communication, in which research provides impulses to politics, business, civil society and the general public, and at the same time takes up impulses from these sub-areas. Through constant dialogue, we ensure the social and political relevance of the work at the bidt.
The Dialogue department acts as the interface here: Scientific findings are made publicly accessible here, prepared in an understandable way and communicated via various channels.
With its data and analyses, the bidt’s Think Tank ensures that decision-makers have access to current developments and findings based on scientific evidence.
The internal working group “Research in Dialogue“ is constantly developing the concept further.
Why research in dialogue?
Including the perspectives of stakeholders from different areas of society is particularly important for digitalisation research.
Research in dialogue
- contributes to solving and shaping the social challenges of digital transformation
- increases the social relevance of research
- promotes the exchange of knowledge and the development of expertise on both sides
Value of research in dialogue
For researchers
- Better understanding of the perspective of users or those affected and the problem at hand
- Clarification of questions and social foundation of own research
For society
- Creates awareness of the social benefits of scientific research
- Provides insight into research practice and thus promotes trust in research
- Stakeholders are empowered to proactively shape the digital transformation
For decision-makers
- High-quality source of information in decision-making processes
Dialogue formats
In order to promote bidirectional communication, we have developed various formats for dialogue, feedback and inspiration.
The “bidt Werkstatt digital“ is an open event format in which representatives of different stakeholder groups discuss and develop issues relating to digital transformation together with the participants.
The “bidt Perspektiven“ event series sheds light on selected digitalisation topics that are particularly topical and socially relevant.
Every two years, the “bidt Konferenz“ brings together experts from science, politics, business and society to discuss the latest results from bidt research projects.
Stakeholder workshops also enable us to better understand problems and challenges and discuss practical solutions.
Our presence on social media allows interested parties to react to content and enter into dialogue with us.
Varieties of research in dialogue
This graphic provides an overview of a wide range of approaches to research in dialogue. The diagram differentiates between four different modes of stakeholder involvement, to which the individual approaches are assigned.
Based on the approaches shown, we would like to develop future-oriented science communication that is closely aligned with the research process and aims to communicate knowledge in a versatile and needs-based manner.
Outlook
In order to further exploit the potential of dialogue and innovative science communication, we would like to involve social stakeholders even more in the future in the sense of direct participation in scientific research.
Various degrees of co-operation are conceivable here: from the participation of stakeholders in individual project phases for a limited period of time and with limited content to the joint conception and co-production of research projects. Finally, there is also the possibility of developing scientific knowledge together with citizens in research projects initiated by civil society.
We would like to consider possibilities for such cooperation in future research projects at the bidt right from the start. But such collaborations could also be very enriching for existing projects and at the same time strengthen the bidt’s mission.
Dialogue offers new perspectives and important feedback for research and society. We want to promote different types of dialogue in the research process and support researchers in trying out new formats that are relevant and effective.
Dr. Margret Hornsteiner To the profile
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