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Rathenau Instituut presents Work Programme 2025-2026

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About Rathenau
31 January 2025

Robin Utrecht/ANP/Hollandse Hoogte

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Winkelend publiek op de markt in Rotterdam
Whether it concerns the sustainability of industry, digitalisation in various domains of society, or changes in healthcare, scientific knowledge, new technology, and innovation play a crucial role in major societal transformations. In 2025-2026, the Rathenau Instituut remains committed to providing insights into how science, technology, and innovation can contribute to societal challenges, with a keen focus on public values.

Science, technology, and innovation in society

Over the past two years, the Rathenau Instituut has focused its work programme on five key themes:

  • Digitalisation
  • Climate
  • Health
  • Knowledge and innovation for transitions
  • Functioning of the science system

These themes will continue to be central to our work in 2025-2026, building on insights from previous years and recognising that the societal context is constantly evolving. Developments in the world, such as shifting geopolitical power dynamics and Europe’s pursuit of strategic autonomy, will be taken into account in our research and dialogue projects.

Until now, the Rathenau Instituut’s work programmes have been developed for a two-year period. Following a recommendation from the committee that evaluated the institute in 2023, we have decided to adopt a longer-term approach. We will establish our themes for a six-year period, specifying every two years how we will address them in practice.

 

Read the work programme 2025-2026