A roundtable is a type of discussion or meeting where a small group of people gather to share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences on a specific topic or issue. The term "roundtable" refers to the circular seating arrangement, which encourages equal participation and fosters a sense of collaboration and mutual respect among the participants.
In a roundtable discussion, each participant typically has an equal opportunity to share their thoughts and insights, and the conversation is often facilitated by a moderator or chairperson who ensures that everyone has a chance to contribute and that the discussion remains focused and productive. The goal of a roundtable is often to gather information, explore different perspectives, and generate new ideas or solutions to a particular problem or challenge.
Roundtables can be used to address a wide range of topics, from strategic planning and policy development to research and innovation.