Science shops are a platform for dialogue between universities and civil society. At a science shop, independent research is conducted to help the public and associations solve problems and get answers to questions that concern them and the world around them. The concept was developed in the 1970s in the Netherlands, as a response to society's and in particular civil society's need for research-based knowledge in order to bring about societal change. The research can, for example, give organizations new insights about problems, a better understanding of important target groups, and new ideas and solutions that can enrich the business. The results can be used in reports, as a basis for applying for funding, and in strategic work on how the organization's resources should be used. Research can also contribute to the development of products and services or be used to influence politicians and other decision-makers. Science shops are usually located in connection with universities and research institutes, but they can also be run by non-profit associations or companies that want to share their expertise. The concept of science shops has not yet been really established in Sweden. But the knowledge about the format science shops, how they are run, strengths and weaknesses, is available through, among other things, the EU project SciShops, where Science & Publicity played an important role and through the network Living Knowledge.Read more at:
https://v-a.se/english-portal/projects/scishops/

The Living Knowledge Network is composed of persons active in -or supportive of- Science Shops and Community Based Research. Living Knowledge aims to foster public engagement with, and participation in, all levels of the research and innovation process.