The role of expertise in governance processes

Abstract

In present day knowledge societies political decisions are often justified on the basis of scientific expertise. Traditionally, a linear relation between knowledge production and application was postulated which would lead, with more and better science, to better policies. Empirical studies in Science and Technology studies have essentially demolished this idea. However, it is still powerful, not least among practitioners working in fields where decision making is based on large doses of expert knowledge. Based on conceptual work in the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS) I shall examine two cases of global environmental governance, ozone layer protection and global climate change. I will argue that hybridization and purification are important for two major forms of scientific expertise. One is delivered though scientific advocacy (by individual scientists or groups of scientists), the other through expert committees, i.e. institutionalized forms of collecting and communicating expertise to decision makers. Based on this analysis lessons will be drawn, also with regard to the stalling efforts at establishing an international forestry regime.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2008.09.005
Divisions: College of Business and Social Sciences > School of Social Sciences & Humanities > Sociology and Policy
College of Business and Social Sciences > School of Social Sciences & Humanities
College of Business and Social Sciences > Aston Business School
Additional Information: NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Forest Policy and Economics. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Grundmann, Reiner (2009). The role of expertise in governance processes. Forest Policy and Economics, 11 (5-6), pp. 398-403. DOI 10.1016/j.forpol.2008.09.005
Uncontrolled Keywords: expertise,STS studies,ozone layer,climate change,forestry,Forestry,Economics and Econometrics,Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law,Sociology and Political Science
Publication ISSN: 1872-7050
Last Modified: 28 Nov 2024 08:04
Date Deposited: 11 Mar 2019 17:55
Full Text Link:
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2009-10
Authors: Grundmann, Reiner

Export / Share Citation


Statistics

Additional statistics for this record