Transformative mission-oriented STI policy: theoretical and conceptual rationales, intervention logics and challenges of an emerging type of STI policies

We provide a definition and conceptual framework for "transformative mission-oriented STI policy". We differentiate this specific policy approach from other, more narrowly defined types of missions or much broader "transformative policies" in general. We describe the historical background of the emergence of this new policy approach against the growing dissatisfaction with previous – less directional - policy approaches to tackling grand societal challenges. At the same time, we point to the substantial challenges that come with the implementation of transformative mission-oriented STI policy. We also refer to and acknowledge ongoing criticism, which doubts the potential of the state to engage in this type of policy. Against this background, we elaborate - not least based on the growing empirical evidence also collected in this volume - characteristics and criteria any transformative mission-oriented STI policy must meet in order to be successfully designed and implemented and avoid "government failure". The main conclusions drawn include, among others, (i) the building of new types of capacities in government is essential for this new policy approach, (ii) new forms of governance are needed to break the silos in current administrations and integrate broader societal stakeholder groups, and (iii) openness to experimentation needs to be complemented by sustained cross-governmental efforts of securing wider implementation. While all of these governance challenges are serious, the conceptual advances already made and further lessons to be drawn from ongoing, pragmatic experiments are a good basis to meet those challenges and to develop and implement truly transformative mission-oriented policies.