The advisory committee is appointed to advise the government in the preparation of the research and innovation bill which is estimated at the end of 2024. Christofer Edling is one of 15 members of the committee, which is composed to represent different dimensions of the Swedish research and innovation landscape.

– I guess I was asked because I have a good overview when it comes to social sciences and financing of social science research. The mandate is personal, and my part is to share my thoughts on how the research politics should be organised. The thoughts are not unique, and I hope that my view represents that of many researchers and university teachers.

New context

According to the government the purpose of the advisory committee is to contribute with national and international monitoring, analysis and advice. Christofer Edling looks forward to his participation.

– I expect an opportunity to argue that our society needs research in social science and that the purpose of research politics is to create conditions for high standards in research that makes a difference.

He says that since the nature of politics is to compromise it is more of a hope than an expectation that the work will have a real influence.

– But maybe the advisory committee can make a marginal contribution? Personally, I anticipate interesting discussions about research and innovation in a new context.