The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to create a more knowledge-oriented organizational culture. But at the same time it is losing its internal capacity for strategic thinking, a crucial attribute in an era of globalization, integrated policy and the politicization of development cooperation.   read more >>

It has been a lively afternoon at the Science Forum. The conference broke up into six parallel workshops, which discussed issues from gene sequencing to resilience, ICTs to eco-efficiencies and biofuels to biofortification. It would be impossible to summarise all that was discussed in just a few words. For one thing, I could only be physically present in two of the workshops, switching rooms either side of the tea break. Fortunately, a final report-back at the end of the day provided an eff...   read more >>

Dr. Noela Invernizzi (Federal University of Paraná, Brazil) is co-chair of the Latin American Network on Nanotechnology and Society (ReLANS). The EC Code of Conduct for Responsible Nanotechnology is broader than other existing voluntary codes of conduct on nanotechnology. It stands out by the unambiguous adoption of the precautionary principle; by the clear delimitation of research areas that should not be promoted; by its commitment to public engagement in nanotechnology governance; by...   read more >>

The traditional focus of development research on local and national processes has been rendered obsolete by the new global power relations. Researchers must be more concerned about relevance than academic excellence. And open knowledge networks are needed to allow access to knowledge.   read more >>

In issue 2, The Broker described the knowledge policy of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We invited Rob de Vos of the ministry and Louk Box of the Institute of Social Studies, to discuss the ministry’s efforts to adapt its knowledge policy to the changing global environment.   read more >>

Nanotechnology promises revolutionary solutions for all kinds of problems. At this early stage it is possible to outline the applications of nanotech that could contribute to development and poverty reduction, and the dilemmas that might emerge. Whether developing countries will really benefit will depend on science and research policies in both the South and the North.   read more >>

This week I was asked at work to think about a cartooon to illustrate researchers ability to identify and stick with a policy problem to focus on.   read more >>