A bottom-up approach where ordinary citizens develop visions for the future of Europe is one of the aims of Cimulact, a Horizon 2020 funded project with 29 partners in 30 European countries.

The University of Malta’s Edward de Bono Institute, which is a partner in the project, organised a workshop during which 38 people from different backgrounds and age groups discussed their hopes, fears, concerns and dreams for the future and collaborated to draw up six visions for the future of Europe. The workshop was conducted by institute director Sandra Dingli, assisted by some of its Master students.

Over 1,000 people in 30 countries are taking part in similar workshops all over Europe. A total of 180 visions will emerge through this democratic participatory process. Each vision will reflect the hopes and wishes of European citizens for a better future for themselves and for future generations.

The project aims to engage ordinary citizens to co-create research agendas based on the visions, needs and demands of society. At a later stage, other stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, research communities, NGOs, futurists and technical developers will be involved in the project. Through this process, the project aims to stimulate dialogue and foster understanding among various actors interested in the shaping of the future of Europe’s research agenda.

The project aims to engage the public to identify desirable sustainable futures through responsible research and innovation; to set a new standard for public participation through the development, testing and assessment of methods for citizen engagement; and to make the building of the future more realistic through a wide and democratic public conversation with citizens and other stakeholders.

www.cimulact.eu