1 SOCIAL POLIS Final conference Vienna, 12 May 2009 Pierre Valette, Commission européenne, DG RTD

2 Social Sciences and Humanities European Research Programme , a “Cooperation” Theme, addressing major EU challenges, of which “Sustainable development and cohesion”, with emphasis on urban issues; “Social platform” in SSH: NEW instrument, decided by European Council and Parliament, aiming at the involvement of the stakeholders in the definition of the research agenda; SSH as a pilot domain; SOCIAL POLIS is the first experience; “Technology platforms” is a successful previous initiative; other “social platforms” are launched.

3 OBJECTIVES “problem oriented and “policy relevance” are key objectives of SSH research; “participative approach” is a strong concept and method to reflect the needs of both the “users” of research results and the scientific community; it is the heart of SPs and TPs. A wide consultation of different views is essential: pluralism, multidisciplinary, openness, transparency, and public access are conditions of success: “cities and social cohesion” is a well appropriated subject; The contribution of stakeholders are easily accessible in synthesised way (and place => website).

4 EXPECTATIONS (1) Research agenda is the key expected outcome of the social platforms; not only useful for the next SSH work programmes of the EU activity; also a reference for “Joint Programming” linked to regional and national research; SSH will be based (from 2010) on two types of projects: “societal challenges” and “specific topics”; size of SCs will be larger and will include stocktaking, foresight/forward looking, building of tools, involvement of civil society, communication.

5 EXPECTATIONS (2) “Social Polis” will deliver a good understanding of the issues and existing knowledge related to cities and social cohesion; a shared vision of the future issues would be also welcomed; It will provide a research agenda for the coming years, taking into account last social developments like impact of globalisation or economic and social crisis; It has created a platform of discussion with the main stakeholders which should be maintained in the future; New initiative like « Round World Café » could serve as model for the other platforms.

6 THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION! THE SSH PROGRAMME OF THE EUROPEAN UNION IS YOUR PROGRAMME!