Models of Science and Policy

Abstract

In this chapter we will focus on the role of science in the development and implementation of policy. Specifically, we will present and briefly discuss a number of conceptual models that describe the relationship and interface between science and policy regulating environmental issues. These models come with their particular underlying assumptions, strengths and limitations, and no single model can be said to offer the universal solution to the challenges ahead, neither with respect to biosafety issues nor to complex environmental issues in general.

Nevertheless, we argue ¿ along with a growing literature on these problems (see for instance Wynne 1992; Funtowicz & Ravetz 1993; Nowotny et al. 2001) ¿ that a rethinking of the relationship between science and policy (and indeed politics) is called for.