Biotechnology and Public Engagement in Europe

Ideas about public engagement with controversial technologies are growing in political prominence. This book delivers a theoretically grounded, empirical analysis of why active public involvement is considered to be of growing importance for the legitimate use of new technologies. It examines the different social dynamics influencing actual attempts to engage the public and the difficulties encountered. Janus Hansen argues that while there are strong normative reasons to further public engagement with the regulation of controversial technologies, there are also strong sociological reasons to reflect carefully on what such engagement can realistically achieve. This book delivers conceptual tools and empirical analyses to support such reflections based on in-depth case studies of important attempts to engage public concerns across Europe.

Introduction The Anatomy of a Technological Controversy Discourses of Public Engagement Analysing PTAs in a Polycontextual Society Engaging the Public in Denmark – The Problem of Resonance Engaging the Public in the UK – The Problem of Inclusion Engaging the Public in Germany – The Problem of Mediation Procedures and Challenges Compared Conclusion