On 1st July, the Alicante Science Park (PCA) hosted the Workshop for Needs Assessment,  focused on identifying, understanding, and prioritising the needs of public authorities, industry, academia, and civil society when involving citizens in knowledge valorisation processes. Over 20 experts representing Alicante’s researchers, policymakers, civil society and industry were brought together to identify and share the needs and recommendations of their areas of interest to facilitate citizen participation in R&I.

The workshop identified recurring needs essential for successful collaboration, particularly: effective communication, transparency, setting objectives and measuring impact through KPIs, fostering positive attitudes, increasing involvement, integrating decision-making processes, and taking actionable steps. It underscored the necessity for ongoing collaboration, institutional reforms, and the creation of common spaces for effective interaction.

Thanks to this workshop, we mapped out the immediate and long-term needs of local entities and reinforced the importance of fostering cooperation and continuous dialogue among key actors.