University of Sussex
Browse
s12919-018-0111-3.pdf (867.65 kB)

Towards inclusive social appraisal: risk, participation and democracy in governance of synthetic biology

Download (867.65 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 14:43 authored by Andrew StirlingAndrew Stirling, K R Hayes, Jason Delborne
Frameworks that govern the development and application of novel products, such as the products of synthetic biology, should involve all those who are interested or potentially affected by the products. The governance arrangements for novel products should also provide a democratic mechanism that allows affected parties to express their opinions on the direction that innovation does or does not take. In this paper we examine rationales, obstacles and opportunities for public participation in governance of novel synthetic biology products. Our analysis addresses issues such as uncertainties, the considering of alternative innovations, and broader social and environmental implications. The crucial issues in play go beyond safety alone, to include contending social values around diverse notions of benefit and harm. The paper highlights the need for more inclusive social appraisal mechanisms to inform governance of Synthetic Biology and alternative products, and discusses a few practical methods to help achieve this goal.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

BMC Proceedings

ISSN

1753-6561

Publisher

Biomed Central

Issue

Supp 8

Volume

12

Page range

15: 43-51

Department affiliated with

  • SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • The Sussex Energy Group Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-08-23

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2018-08-23

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-08-22

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Licence

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC