The why’s and how’s of public sector scientists’ policy engagement: The lessons from agricultural biotechnology

Abstract

The biobased economy is regarded as a possible solution foraddressing the challenges associated with climate change andthe growing human population. Due to progress in scienceand technology the biobased economy can provide additionalfood and renewable energy to meet the needs of the expected9 billion people by 2050.However, the implementation of the biobased economy alsoraises many questions about the transition paths, including thepolitical and regulatory climate for new technologies that arenecessary to accomplish this transition. Policy decisions andnew regulations require input from the scientific community.While most policy stakeholders agree that we need new technologiesthat can reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions,we witness controversy about the best solutions to realizesustainable production. Scientists have the potential to play animportant role in policy debates and processes, but presentlytheir involvement is not adequate.This thesis explores how scientists perceive their role in policymakingand which factors are relevant for their motivation forpolicy engagement. Using the empirical data from the researchwith agricultural biotechnology scientists this thesis identifies anddescribes a new role for scientists in controversial policy-makingand provides recommendations for institutional strategies thatare needed to facilitate that scientists adopt this role in practice.BT/Biotechnology and Societ