Dilemmas of public participation in science policy. (4th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rowe, Gene; Watermeyer, Richard Patrick
• Is Part Of: Policy studies. Volume 39:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 204
• Page End: 221
• Publication Date: 2018-03-04
• Subjects: Public participation -- public engagement -- evaluation -- impact -- dilemmas; Policy sciences -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Economic policy -- Decision making -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1945- -- Decision making -- Periodicals; 320.605
• DOI: 10.1080/01442872.2018.1451502
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-2872

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Public participation is ubiquitous in many contemporary democratic societies – used for many purposes, and in many contexts, with particular and growing relevance for policy-making on science and technology issues. However, there is a dearth of evidence as to its qualities and benefits. We contend that the implementation and interpretation of participation faces a number of dilemmas that – together –undermine its successful adoption. In this paper, we identify and discuss six specific dilemmas that – together – may militate against the practice and development of good quality participation in science and technology policy, notably dilemmas of Timing; of Relevance; of Representation; of Evaluation; of Criticism; and of Impact. We theoretically account for these dilemmas and discuss their likely impacts. Finally, we provide some suggestions as to how the participation community might attempt to pre-empt difficulties due to these dilemmas and demonstrate participation effectiveness.