Gy Larsen and Ida-Elisabeth Larsen, The Danish Board of Technology

Structure of presentation

• What kind of issue/problem? –
• What role is the project going to play? – Purposes?
• How to select an issue?
• Who are going to be involved?
• What kind of methodology is possible and/or necessary?

Technology means:

• engineering and technics – and -
• conditions surrounding their application.

Ideally then

• a solution to a problem solves more problems than it creates.

Issues - examples

• New applications to gene technology – new gene plants
• Toxicology and Nanotechnology
• Sustainable urban living
• Surveillance
• Energy system – future development
• Brain Science – new development and uses

Proactive – Reactive TA

• upcoming technology
• regulation of technology
• dissemination and wider use of technology

Table: 3 dimensions of policy analysis

Dimension	Method demand	Actors / functions
Cognitive	Establish knowledge-base; suggest knowledge based solutions	Experts; Users / Operative aims
Normative	Uncover and share norms and values	Citizens; Stakeholders / Networking; Social learning
Pragmatic	Create legitimate and accepted solutions	Decision-makers; Networks; Citizens / Transparent procedures

How to select an issue

• Technological content
• Problem, conflict and need of decisions
• Essential for many people or for a segment
• Topical – timing
• Target group
• The Board must have a role to play

Problem	Today the transport sector in the western part of the world represents nearly 2/3 of our total use of oil, and consumption is rising. It is necessary to search for alternatives.	2
Technology	Bioethanol, biodiesel, methanol, methan, hydrogen – especially new advanced technologies for production of biofuels are alternatives.	2
Importance	The EU biofuel directive aims at growing use of biofuels to transport and sets objectives for the member countries. Denmark has decided to have a goal below the EU recommendation.	1
Timing	Today 70% of all energy in EU is imported. This percentage is expected to rise to 98% in 2020. There is a need for action now. New fuels demand adaptation.	1
Aimed at	Research and fiscal area, politicians in the fields of traffic, energy and environment	1
Relevance for the Board	Existing and new knowledge about the topic must be found and communicated to decision makers	1
Total rating		8

Who should be involved?

• Is new knowledge and solutions needed?
• Do we know too little about public opinion?
• Is it time for new agenda setting?
• A conflict in society dealing with the issue?
• Do politicians need an advice?
• Or?

Considerations

• An expert group process
• Stakeholder involvement
• Citizen consultation
• Involving politicians
• Or?

Laypeople

• Lack of knowledge – a vessel to be filled with expert information
• No, laypeople do have knowledge and engagement in society
• Laypeople have their own perspective on technology

Democratic dimension

• Expert have to communicate with and not only to citizens
• There is a worry in society to deal with
• Interaction between citizens and the representative democracy
• New knowledge to stakeholders from citizens on controversial matters

Goals when involving citizens

• Proactive discussions on upstream technologies
• Consultation on how to use technology
• Debate resistance in society against technology
• To involve the involved

Table: Recruit and select participants

	Principle	Benefits	Costs
Representativity	Sample represents population (demogr. – attitudes)	Is accepted Can be compared with other studies or elections	Very big group very expensive Difficult to ”handle”
Mixed Example – Consensus Conference	Define criteria –compose a group	Variety, broad group all kinds of people Any size you want	Possible to cheat Interested thank yes – but..
Balanced Example – Scenario Workshop	Equal representation of involved interests	Pol. relevant debate Room for views which use to be marginalized or out	Positions have to be defined/accept risks of hidden greements – social partnering

Table: Type of Participation – role of participants – method example

Participation Type	Role of participant	Role project lead	Method ex.
Survey/ interviews	Source of information	Researcher	Choice questionnaire
Deliberativesurvey	Evaluator ”voice”	Organizer/analyst	Focus groups, deliberative poll
Constructive dialogue	Stake holder	Organizer, mediator	Future search/Scenario Workshop
Public consultation	Advisor, consultant	Organizer	Consensus Conference

Table: Roles of participation in TA

	Raising Knowledge	Forming Attitudes	Initialising Action
Tech/ Science Aspects	Scientific Assessment (options,consequences)	Agenda setting (influence and stimulate public debate, Introduce visions etc.)	Reframing of debate (propose new initiatives – find new orientation)
Social Aspects	Social Mapping (stake holders, conflicts)	Mediation (help actors reflect and communicate – bridge building)	Propose new decision making processes (new ways of governance – new debate)
Policy aspects	Policy analysis (explore objectives, assess policies)	Restructure policy debate	Decisions about: Political innovations New legislation

Be aware of pitfalls

• Do not underestimate citizens or other participants
• Hidden conflicts
• Too narrow and unreflected use of methods
• Method not suitable for local problems
• Forget to involve some important actors
• A mistake to avoid the critical voices