This paper draws upon case studies developed during the STAGE (‘Science, Technology and Governance in Europe’) project, sponsored by the European Commission. Qualitative case studies and country syntheses were prepared by a team of academic researchers, working across eight member states, drawing upon a broad range of expertise in the social sciences. Workshops and conferences were organized in the various countries studied to discuss local developments and the research being conducted. The case studies focused on three main areas: information and communication technologies, biotechnology, and the environment. Drawing on these studies, this analysis suggests a number of conclusions about the current ways in which the governance of science is undertaken in Europe, and the character and outcome of recent initiatives in deliberative governance. This paper does not attempt to synthesize the whole STAGE project, but instead highlights some key dimensions of the final report. A final report on this analysis was submitted to the European Commission, and the results were disseminated at a special Brussels workshop.

Full citation: Hagendijk, R.& Irwin, A. (2006). Public deliberation and governance: Engaging with science and technology in contemporary Europe. Minerva, 44, 167-184