Citizen Science and Social Innovation Policies: Creating a Pathway to Inclusive Development

Citizen science projects aim to actively involve public in scientific research, while transforming the scientific research approach, engaging communities in the co-production knowledge and encourage inclusive development. This research explores the critical role of citizen science in promoting social innovation policies that address inequalities and enhance community empowerment. By actively involving diverse populations, citizen science projects and researches enhance a sense of belonging, ensuring that different voices are heard in decision-making processes.

This research emphasizes the importance of citizen science that influence local policies towards beneficial changes. Such initiatives create successful pathways to collaboration of citizens and researchers, integrating citizen gathered data into decision-making process. This research aims to discuss the importance of citizen science initiatives that have an impact on both scientific outcomes and social benefits, such as social equality and community development. Citizen science initiatives are popular worldwide, few examples of citizen science initiatives are: the EU's Citizen.science platform, Australia’s National Environmental Science Program, and Costa Rica’s biodiversity policies.

This research addresses the challenges of ensuring equitable participation and the sustainability of citizen science initiatives, discussing strategies for long-term success that are offered by the scientists who have participated in citizen science projects. Additionally, the research aims to emphasize how citizen science, supported by innovative policies, can contribute to building resilient and equitable societies.