In spring 2022, the Municipality of Reggio Emilia, in agreement with the Laboratorio Aperto and LUISS Libera Università Guido Carli of Rome, established an experimental tool to support public administration in decision- and policy-making through scientific research: the City Science Office. This organisational unit within the municipal administration comprises experts and researchers recruited through collaboration agreements with knowledge institutions.

The initiative reflects a deliberate shift from the ‘standard’ model of outsourcing research to an integrated approach, fostering continuous collaboration between researchers and public officials. This model enables a dynamic exchange of information, experience, and expertise throughout field research activities.

The City Science Office, whose expertise has grown over time, is based at the Laboratorio Aperto in the Cloisters of Saint Peter—an incubator for ideas embedded within Reggio Emilia’s economic and social fabric. It was institutionalised through the Regulations on Democracy and Urban and Climate Justice in Reggio Emilia, approved in 2022.

This study examines and evaluates the pilot phase, which concluded in 2024, assessing its impacts and outcomes while outlining potential directions for future development. The findings are presented in the form of a white paper, chosen as the most effective format for formulating recommendations based on the research conducted.

Check the project here: 

https://www.chiostrisanpietro.it/lab-in-chiostri/city-science-office-reggio-emilia/