Science as a Global Enterprise – What it Means to Tackle Big Problems and Make Big Bets

In a world facing increasingly interconnected crises—pandemics, climate change, environmental degradation, and digital disruption—the role of science in informing sound, inclusive policy has never been more vital. Yet, the potential of science to drive progress is limited when it is poorly communicated, insufficiently funded, or not understood by decision-makers and the public.

This high-level roundtable will explore how to strengthen the voice of science in global policy, enhance science communication, and foster public trust and understanding in science as a public good. It will also lay the groundwork for a coordinated strategy to elevate science within governance processes at all levels.

Thematic Overview: In a world facing increasingly interconnected crises—pandemics, climate change, environmental degradation, and digital disruption—the role of science in informing sound, inclusive policy has never been more vital. Yet, the potential of science to drive progress is limited when it is poorly communicated, insufficiently funded, or not understood by decision-makers and the public. The vision of “science as a global enterprise” depends not only on scientific breakthroughs but also on the conditions that allow them to become equitable solutions.

There is a need to envision “science as a global enterprise” requiring collaboration, big thinking, and global support to drive equitable impact for people and planet.

Conversations will explore how to strengthen the voice of science in global policy, enhance science communication, discuss some of the key considerations with potential “big swings” in science (see below), and what is needed to foster public trust and understanding in science as a public good through the lens of three sample areas and the intersections between them.