A novel governance framework for transformative science–policy–society interfaces: What can sociocracy offer?

Recent literature on science-policy-society interfaces (SPSI) suggests that transformative change in environmental governance requires solution-focused, inclusive, and co-produced mechanisms in the creation of policy-relevant knowledge. Nonetheless, due to accepted epistemic norms and modes of organisation, most SPSIs fail to address prevailing power disparities and contribute to real economic and political restructuring for sustainability. This paper addresses a rarely considered but critical aspect of transformative knowledge co-production, namely the governance structures and processes that underpin SPSI interactions. Based on a design thinking process and expert interviews, we outline a novel model of SPSI governance that is based on the principles of sociocracy, centring equity, inclusivity, and consent-based decision-making. Finally, using the example of the Science Service for Biodiversity, a newly developed SPSI under the EU-funded BioAgora project: we sketch the strengths and limitations of this model, inviting readers to reimagine and further the discussion on SPSI governance.