Mediation in the Dutch science system

Abstract

The national research system of the Netherlands exemplifies general characteristics of modern research systems, with an intermediary level between the state and research performance organisations, and with increasing pressure for relevance of science. Specific for the Netherlands is the density of institutions in the intermediary level and the institutional competence in (heterogeneous) aggregation processes for agenda building, and consociational implementation. Sectoral advisory councils, foresight exercises, and strategic research programmes are described, and background trends and socio-political and socio-cognitive aspects are discussed.