Five parallel sessions on the main topics of the SSH Challenge 6 will be provided in the afternoon.

Workshop I «Inclusive Societies»
The EU paper defines one grand challenge by pointing out the need to build resilient and inclusive societies: «It is essential to identify ways to adapt and improve the European welfare systems, public services and the broader social security dimension of policies in order to achieve cohesion and promote more social and economic equality and intergenerational solidarity» (p. 77). The main keywords for this workshop are thus social welfare systems, inequalities, resilience, digital inclusiveness, intergenerational issues. Disciplines addressed: social sciences.

Workshop II «Intelligent Growth»
One further issue raised in the EU paper is how to deal with the increasing amount of information our society relies on. «Enabling all societal actors to interact in the innovation cycle increases the quality, relevance, acceptability and sustainability of innovation outcomes by integrating society’s interest and values. This requires developing specific skills, knowledge and capacities at individual and organisational as well as at national and transnational levels. A scientifically literate, responsible and creative society will be nurtured through the promotion of and research on appropriate science education methods» (p. 80). In this context, the following keywords have to be taken into consideration: knowledge transfer, dissemination of knowledge, communication, social-network dynamics. Disciplines addressed: cognitive sciences, linguistics, communication- and media sciences, psychology, educational sciences.

Workshop III «EU as a Global Actor»
One major challenge is outlined by referring to the role of the EU in a globalised world: «Europe’s distinct historical, political, social and cultural system is increasingly confronted with the impact of global changes. In order to further develop its external action in its neighbourhood and beyond and its role as a global actor, Europe has to improve its capacities for defining, prioritising, explaining, assessing and promoting its policy objectives with other world regions and societies to further cooperation or prevent or solve conflicts. In this regard, it also has to improve its capacities for anticipating and responding to the evolution and impacts of globalisation. This requires a greater understanding of the history, cultures and political-economic systems of other world regions, as well as of the role and influence of transnational actors.» (p. 77). The relevant keywords for this workshop are global governance, international cooperation, preventing and solving conflicts, human rights. Disciplines addressed: political science, constitutional and international law.

Workshop IV «Diversity, Beliefs and Values»
In order to build resilient and inclusive societies, the understanding of the EU’s history as well as the evolution of ideas and values is considered to be essential. «Understanding social transformations in Europe requires analysis of changing democratic practices and expectations as well as of the historical evolution of identities, diversity, territories, religions, cultures and values. This includes a good understanding of the history of European integration» (p.77). Keywords to be pointed out are thus historical evolution of identities, cultures and values, impact of circulation of ideas and beliefs and combinations of principles and practices of reciprocity, commonality and equality. Disciplines addressed: humanities.

Workshop V «Sustainable Growth»
The promotion of a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth implies considerable changes as to the definition of growth and well-being and how they are measured, generated and sustained over time. «Research will analyse the development of sustainable lifestyles and socio-economic behaviours and values and how they relate to paradigms, policies and to the functioning of institutions, markets, firms, governance and belief systems in Europe.» (p. 76). The main keynotes relevant for this workshop are development of sustainable lifestyles and socio-economic behaviours and values, establishment of standards, normalisation process, goal-setting process. Disciplines addressed: sociology, economics, social psychology.
 

Link to the "Proposal for a Council Decision establishing the Specific Programme Implementing Horizon 2020 - The Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)", European Commission