UN010917

The role of participatory TA in the policy-making process: 

The role of participatory TA in the policy-making process Results from the EUROPTA Project

Structure of the presentation: 

Structure of the presentation An inventory of political roles of PTA arrangements Factors influencing the political performance of PTA arrangements Recommendations

Indirect political roles: 

Indirect political roles Promoting communication between science and the public Stimulating public debate Awareness building Raising sensitivity for (participatory) TA

Direct political roles (I): 

Direct political roles (I) Agenda-setter PTA arrangement catches the attention of decision-makers on a topic Exploration of objectives PTA arrangement give advice on hopes and fears present in society with a view to guide future decisions Filter of policy alternatives PTA arrangement offers advice on the alternative to choose

Direct political roles (II): 

Direct political roles (II) « Blockade runner » PTA arrangements as a contribution to the management of a political conflict Implementation and evalutation of policies PTA arrangement tests whether the ideas of the public are in line with the politicians or the legislation

Factors influencing the political role of PTA: analytical framework: 

Factors influencing the political role of PTA: analytical framework Societal context technology innovation system, political system, technology controversy and public sphere Institutional context Institutional setting, structures and procedures, TA approach Properties of the PTA arrangement set-up and process / values, assumptions and goals / outcomes

« Success factors »:Societal context: 

« Success factors »: Societal context Timing with political debate different right moments Timing with public controversy especially for PTA arrangement involving laypeople Political relevance of the topic issues which «sell» in the political market place Political culture open for (informal) participation openess of the political system for deliberation and participation

« Success factors »:Institutional setting: 

« Success factors »: Institutional setting Link to the political sphere Institution must be somehow part of (or near) the polical processes (but not too close!) Credibility of the institution Competence and independance

« Success factors »:Properties of the arrangement (I): 

« Success factors »: Properties of the arrangement (I) Precise definition of the political goals definition of what has to be achieved similarity of goals between the involved actors Fairness of the process good management quality control structures (steering groups)

« Success factors »:Properties of the arrangement (II): 

« Success factors »: Properties of the arrangement (II) Quality of the outcome (report, …) Product of the arrangement aiming at practical implementation Involvement of political actors in the process in steering groups, as expert, ...

Conclusions: 

Conclusions The « political success » of a PTA arrangement is the result of a particular combination of factors Some factors must be necessarily met for every PTA: Credibility of the institution Quality of the process

Recommendations: 

Recommendations TA Practitioners: Carefully consider the actual political situation and adjust the aims of the PTA arrangement to it. Addressees of PTA arrangements The influence of PTA arrangements is of subtle nature PTA arrangements are catalysts PTA is always part of a political game in which power is at stake