Recent Developments in Public Participation in the United Kingdom

With respect to expert-stakeholder PTA considerable experience has been gained with forms of interactive TA. First the various viewpoints of experts and stakeholders are mapped. This information is used to confront the various players with each other's interests and values, and find new and common ways for the future. Communication in the broadest sense is crucial for strengthening the impact of interactive TA. In the coming years the Ra-thenau Institute will make strategic communication an integral part of the design and management of a TA project. Footnotes 1) The EUROPTA project " European Participa-tory Technology Assessment. Participatory Methods in Technology Assessment and Technology Decision-Making " was carried out on the issue of participatory technology assessment (PTA). The project received funding from the European Commission (Directorate General XII), TSER programme. It was coordinated by the Danish Board of Technology (Copenhagen) and included partners from Austria, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom , and an associated partner from Switzer-land. 2) The basic principles of the methodology of interactive technology assessment are described in Grin et al. 1997. 1 The scope of participation in the United Kingdom is broadening. The paper draws together the recent developments in public participation and decision-making in the UK which are taking place in many areas of public policy; particularly in local government , community health planning and development , and science and technology. According to a House of Lords Science and Technology Committee inquiry into " Science and Society " , a change is necessary in the cultures and constitutions of key decision making institutions. The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology has been given a new remit in keeping the members of both Houses of Parliament informed on the development of public consultation and dialogue on science-related issues.