The specific objective of the Societal Challenge 'Europe in a changing world – Inclusive, innovative and reflective societies' (SC6) is to foster a greater understanding of Europe, provide solutions, and support inclusive, innovative and reflective European societies in a context of unprecedented transformations and growing global interdependencies.
Pressure from increased migration flows, socio-economic and cultural transformations from new forms of human-technology interaction under the fourth industrial revolution, and new developments in European, national and global governance have the potential to significantly impact Europe's future at many levels. At the same time, and linked to these developments, the citizens' trust in many public institutions and their capacities to address effectively these challenges is weakening while their concerns are increasing. In light of these challenges, the scientific and innovation priorities of SC6 under work programme 2018-2020 are focused around three major themes: migration, socio-economic and cultural transformations stemming from the fourth industrial revolution, and governance for the future.
The aim of the work programme 2018-2020 is to address the concerns of the European citizens regarding migration, the fourth industrial revolution and the challenges of governance by providing objective scientific elements of assessment regarding these phenomena and formulating elaborate policy options or applicable solutions in order to help better tackle these complex issues and inform citizens objectively.
In line with the specific programme, the three research and innovation priorities for 2018-2020 complement as needed the activities undertaken in the work programmes 2014-2015 and 2016-2017 of SC6. These work programmes focused on overcoming the economic crisis and mitigating its effects (Call EURO), reducing inequalities and promoting social fairness (Call REV-INEQUAL) and integrating the young generation in a more innovative, inclusive and sustainable Europe (Call YOUNG). They also addressed new forms of innovation and untapped sources of growth (Calls INSO and CO-CREATION) and Europe’s cultural heritage and identities (Calls REFLECTIVE and CULT-COOP). The strengthening of EU's capacities for developing and improving its external action and international cooperation were also covered (Calls INT and ENG-GLOBALLY).