Evaluation of new models of science-policy assessment in natural resource policy: Comparative evaluation of practices in Europe and the United States of America
Abstract
The protection and sustainable management of natural resources is one of the major challenges of the years to come. Science has the potential to give support in many technical questions. However, the practical value of scientific research depends on the success of knowledge transfer from theory into the application context. This research project intends to focus on the elaboration and evaluation of innovative strategies of knowledge transfer in the field of natural resource policy. In the USA new models of science-policy assessment, which try to bridge the gap between science and policy, were worked out and tested in the field. This research project aims at finding out if, to what extent, and under what circumstances the experiences made in the USA can be transferred to the Austrian context. For that purpose, two novel types of science-policy consultation, so-called “bioregional assessments”, have been described and evaluated. The selected cases have been analyzed on two levels: first, on a macro level of interest-group politics and governmental power and, second, on a micro level of scientific claims and counterclaims. Parallel to that the status quo of science-policy consultation in natural resource policy in Austria has been described and evaluated. By comparing the practices of science-policy consultation in the United States and in Austria it will finally be possible to give an overall view of the existing models of science-policy assessment and to explain under what circumstances a specific model is applicable and where its limits of application are.
transfer of scientific knowledge policy of natural resources comparative politics USA
Publikationen
Project staff
Michael Pregernig
Ao.Univ.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Mag.rer.soc.oec. Michael Pregernig
michael.pregernig@boku.ac.at
Project Leader
01.09.2001 - 31.12.2005