Engagement with stakeholder transforms scientific and policy processes. The journey of participation from a contested issue to a mainstream approach in the marine domain has been long and bumpy. For example, ICES opened up to stakeholders in the 1980s, allowing them to participate in scientific activities and observe advisory processes. However, it was not until 2024 that ICES adopted a systematic approach through the ICES Stakeholder Engagement Strategy.
Stakeholder engagement is now considered critical for improving the scientific basis in decision-making and ensuring the legitimacy of policy-relevant science. Governments, public, and private organizations worldwide face similar challenges in harnessing participation while managing risks.
The purpose of ENGAGE is to lead the international community in issues related to the interaction with stakeholder and Rightsholders in producing and delivering science and advice, as well as in the governance of marine social-ecological systems. The findings are particularly relevant for implementing the ICES Stakeholder Engagement Strategy, integrating non-scientific knowledge systems and as a countervailing power to the increased discredit in science.
WGENGAGE combines analytical frameworks, theoretical approaches and methods in three areas:
- Knowledge advance: exploring approaches and developing case studies to address critical questions, e.g. who participates, how, what for, and its implications for the scientific, advisory and policy systems, or the use and integration of all forms of non-scientific knowledge.
- Advice: monitoring and assessing the STAKES, generating systematic evidence of current stakeholder interaction within the ICES Network and delivering an annual report.
- Support: rapid assessment of needs to facilitate participatory processes, training material and toolboxes to support the ICES community.
Engagement with stakeholder transforms scientific and policy processes. The journey from a contested issue to a mainstream approach has been long and bumpy. ICES opened up to stakeholders in the
1980s. While it is crucial for ensuring the legitimacy of policy-relevant science, governments and organizations worldwide face similar challenges in harnessing participation while managing risks. The findings are essential for implementing the STAKES, integrating non-scientific knowledge systems and as a countervailing power to the increased discredit in science.
