Under the new framework less emphasis is placed upon research and more upon societal debate and political opinion forming.
Research is mainly a support function.
The Rathenau Institute ensures the subjects chosen are geared to the parliament's agenda. In other instances the Institute selects a project because it feels it is not receiving sufficient attention from the public and parliament. The Rathenau Institute is independent and targets the conclusions and results of its projects to the Dutch parliament. The Institute is part of the Royal Dutch Academy of Arts and Sciences. Once every two years the lower chamber discusses the Institute's work programme, in which the most important themes for the coming period are presented.