Science-Based Policy-Making: An Analysis of Processes of Institutional Reform

Contemporary industrial societies are confronting a crisis in science and governance — decisions need to be taken about which technological practices and innovations to accept or even encourage and which to discourage, restrict or prevent. Such decisions need to be made even though facts are uncertain, values are in dispute, levels of trust in policy institutions and expert advisors are low, the stakes are high, and decisions are urgent. Traditional institutions and practices are widely seen to have failed, in terms of public trustworthiness but maybe also of competence. The crisis is most acute in relation to food safety policy-making. The need for change is widely appreciated, and change is under way. A variety of institutional structures and procedures are being introduced; although a sustainable regime has not been created, it is not too early to reflect on what may and may not work. This chapter aims to contribute to, and to introduce greater clarity into those debates.