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Policy decision-making, public involvement and nuclear energy: What do expert stakeholders think and why?

September 18, 2014 | Media and Technology, Public Programs
Despite new governmental initiatives aiming to engage the general public in policymaking related to nuclear energy, little is known about how expert stakeholders involved in the decision-making process perceive such activity. This study examines how a series of social, cognitive and communication factors influences expert stakeholders’ attitudes toward public participation in policy decisions related to nuclear energy. Specifically, using data from a survey of 557 experts identified through content analyses of public meeting records, we find that among those perceiving public opinion as being split, not-for-profit stakeholders (e.g. governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations) are more likely to think public involvement is important than scientists and stakeholders from the private sector (e.g. industry and lobbying groups). The perception of a split public for the issue of nuclear energy seems to be driven by frequent use of online media (e.g., blogs and social networking websites). Implications of the findings with respect to promoting meaningful stakeholder participation in making policy decisions are discussed.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Nan Li
    Author
    University of Wisconsin, Madison
  • Leona Yi-Fan Su
    Author
    University of Wisconsin, Madison
  • Xuan Liang
    Author
    University of Wisconsin, Madison
  • Dominique Brossard
    Author
    University of Wisconsin, Madison
  • Dietram Scheufele
    Author
    University of Wisconsin, Madison
  • Citation

    Publication Name: Annual Conference of the International Communication Association

    Funders

    ED
    Award Number: 120341
    Resource Type: Reference Materials
    Discipline: Climate | History/policy/law | Physics | Technology
    Audience: Administration/Leadership/Policymakers | General Public | Scientists
    Environment Type: Media and Technology | Broadcast Media | Websites, Mobile Apps, and Online Media | Public Programs | Community Outreach Programs

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