A novel approach to the appraisal of technological risk: a multicriteria mapping study of a genetically modified crop
The recent controversy over genetically modified (GM) foods amply demonstrates the general difficulties encountered in the social appraisal of technological risk. Existing procedures for regulatory appraisal neglect many possible forms of impact and routinely exclude important cultural and social dimensions of risk. A narrow, expert, 'science-based' approach is now widely acknowledged to be insufficient. There is a need for new approaches that are more broadly based, transparent, pluralistic and ready to acknowledge uncertainty as well as being practically feasible and robust. The authors investigate the potential for a novel 'multicriteria mapping' (MCM) method as one such possible tool. Drawing on a variety of perspectives in the current UK debate, a range of agricultural strategies for the production of oilseed rape, including both GM and non-GM options were explored in this MCM pilot exercise. The results demonstrate the general feasibility and positive potential of this type of approach, with specific findings providing modest insights for policymaking in this difficult area.
Year of publication: |
2001
|
---|---|
Authors: | Stirling, Andy ; Mayer, Sue |
Published in: |
Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy. - Pion Ltd, London, ISSN 1472-3425. - Vol. 19.2001, 4, p. 529-555
|
Publisher: |
Pion Ltd, London |
Saved in:
freely available
Saved in favorites
Similar items by person
-
Stirling, Andy, (2009)
-
Science out of step with the public: The need for public accountability of science in the UK
Mayer, Sue, (2003)
-
Scientific research agendas : controlled and shaped by the scope of patentability
Wallace, Helen, (2007)
- More ...