Information on the system of cooperating sector councils in the Netherlands

• Sector councils carry out medium-term and long-term explorations (foresight activities) and analyses of scientific and social trends, using an integrated approach; in many cases, several sector councils are involved in explorations so as to consider one trend in coherence with another.
• These explorations may identify gaps in knowledge resulting in programming studies for fundamental andstrategic research, i.e. research aimed at solving medium-term and long-term problems. Such programming studies then lead to the programming of research by theNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), for example. In accordance with the wishes of the Minister for Education, Cultural Affairs and Science, the NWO’s strategic plan will have to be based partly on the input of the sector councils.
• On the basis of the explorations and analyses, sector councils may also make proposals to the ministers concerned  about the coordination of research, development and knowledge infrastructure (Section 3 of the Framework Act).
• An additional function is that sector councils, although they are not advisory bodies, through their explorations may also contribute to policy-making in general. The ministries involved may use the outcome of explorations by sector councils as input for policy and to optimize the formulation of requests for advice to advisory bodies.
• It is worth noting that a sector council explicitly carries out explorations for the whole of a sector. This is why the councils deal not only with the exploration of trends in society and the demand for knowledge that should necessitate research, but also with trends in science and technology and their consequences for society.

• the Innovation Network Rural Areas and Agricultural Systems (Innovatienetwerk Groene Ruimte en Agrocluster/NRLO).
• the Netherlands Development Assistance Research Council (RAWOO),
• the Council on Health Research (RGO),
• the Council for Research on Spatial Planning, Nature and Environment (RMNO).

• the Netherlands Study Center for Technology Trends (STT). STT is a member of the COS.

• consultations about issues of common interest, exchange of ideas, discussions of themes, information, etc.
• promoting a joint approach; addressing multidiscipline issues by organizing projects and joint studies by COS members, funded by the COS Coordination Fund (CF)
• studies and workshops/conferences on the development of methodology, etc., also funded by the CF.
• joint input in administrative consultations (ministries, NWO, the Association of arialities in the Netherlands (VSNU), etc.
• the promotion of interests on the basis of joint views taken by the COS
• PR for the whole system (web site, information, publications, etc.).

• Public Administration, Justice and Security (in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and the Department of Justice). A businessplan is under preparation (March 2002).
• Education: the COS will conduct a feasibility study (2002)
• Traffic, Transport and Infrastructure (in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management) and Connekt, the R&D network for traffic, transport and infrastructure. The director of Connekt attends COS meetings as an observer.
• Employment, Health and Social Security (in consultation with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment).