The SENIX conferences - The Role of Social Sciences in a Low-Carbon Energy Mix. http://www.delegia.com/senix2015

Building strategies for social, societal and governance research in new EU Member States - the PLATENSO Project. http://platensoproject.eu/

Social, societal and governance issues in the nuclear area - status of research. See report

Kjell Andersson presentation at at IAEA Scientific Forum 2014 See Pressroom

Kjell Andersson presentation in Senate of the Parliament, Czech Republic See Pressroom

RISCOM Process implemented in Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia as part of the European Union IPPA Project http://www.ippaproject.eu/
 
 

The safe space and the RISCOM Process

The safe space concept was borne during the implementation of the RISCOM process in Czech Republic with the ARGONA Project (Argona Deliverable 14 Riscom Application Czech Republic.pdf 0.8 MB) when participants asked themselves what made the process successful. Now it has been given a theoretical ground in relation or other processes for public participation in complex and controversial matters. As the democratic legitimacy of public participation in decision making has been disputed, the idea is to support the constitutional and political decision making with means for clarity and awareness. While doing this, independence and autonomy of regulatory agencies, local authorities and non-governmental organization must be respected; otherwise they can normally not take part.

A safe space process stands or falls with trust its organization for which objectives, chairperson, secretariat, meeting venues, moderators of events and funding principles are all important factors. Our method for establishing a safe space is the RISCOM Process which gives transparency by structuring complex issues and clarification of stakeholder arguments. IPPA 6.1 Report.pdf (0.8 MB). Participants form both format and contents of the process together based on an agreement between them. Experience shows that this can "make difference" even if stakeholder positions are blocked (the implementation of the RISCOM Process in Czech Republic is an excellent example). A RISCOM Process can be organized within existing legal and organizational systems, but it could also be institutionalized.

From understanding to implementation

The ARGONA project helped us understand how different processes of public participation and transparency work, how they relate to decision making structures and how they can support societal  decision making processes. This knowledge is now implemented in the IPPA project - see www.ippaproject.eu. The first IPPA report, intended to be an “easy to read” report for linking ARGONA achievements to the implementation in IPPA, can be downloaded here: IPPA Deliverable 6.1.
 

Integration of risk governance methods

In the CARGO project different approaches to risk governance including risk informed decision-making, the precautionary principle, and risk deliberation were integrated into a comprehensive approach that incorporates both scientific assessment and public values - See The CARGO project.

Transparency and Accountability in Science and Politics
The Awareness Principle

Author: Kjell Andersson
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

In this book Kjell Andersson challenges the role of scientists and expertise in policy making as well as the idea of deliberative democracy. Andersson proposes an awareness principle as an integral part of the representative political system. He then suggests a practical framework for the creation of arenas that can set the principle into practice. See http://www.palgrave.com/products/title.aspx?PID=281166
 

The Awareness Principle Society should be organized in such a way that decisions on its future development are based on the will of the people being, to the greatest possible extent, aware of all the factual and value-laden elements of alternative directions. In a representative democracy this implies that elected representatives and the arms of government have the resources to create the necessary awareness, and that citizens have the insight to gain the same level of awareness, thereby being able to hold the elected representatives accountable for their decisions.

Geological repository systems for safe disposal of spent nuclear fuels and radioactive waste

Editors: J Ahn, University of California, Berkeley and M J Apted, INTERA Inc., USA
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing

Kjell Andersson has contributed to the book with a chapter "Methods for social dialogue in the establishment of radioactive waste management programs" which deals with issues such as "The emergence of participation in nuclear waste management", "Rationales for participation in nuclear waste management programs" and "The Swedish dialogue and transparency process".

http://www.woodheadpublishing.com/en/book.aspx?bookID=1560