Scientists have always played an important role in informing policy decisions. However, many controversial policy problems regarding science and technology, such as agricultural biotechnology, are often characterised by low value consensus and high level of complexity. In these circumstances various policy actors legitimate their policy preferences using science. In this article, we challenge the linear model of science and policy and argue that the stakeholder model of science in policy is more appropriate for governance of controversial policy problems regarding science and technology. We build our argument on available literature and empirical data from interviews and two online surveys. We choose agricultural biotechnology as the case study to illustrate scientists' perception about their role in policy-making. Our study illustrates that agricultural biotechnology scientists sympathise with the stakeholder model of science and policy. However, there is a gap between perceived ideal role for scientists in policy-making and the role, which these scientists actually take. ... Read more

The biobased economy is regarded as a possible solution for
addressing the challenges associated with climate change and
the growing human population. Due to progress in science
and technology the biobased economy can provide additional
food and renewable energy to meet the needs of the expected
9 billion people by 2050.
However, the implementation of the biobased economy also
raises many questions about the transition paths, including the
political and regulatory climate for new technologies that are
necessary to accomplish this transition. Policy decisions and
new regulations require input from the scientific community.
While most policy stakeholders agree that we need new technologies
that can reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions,
we witness controversy about the best solutions to realize
sustainable production. Scientists have the potential to play an
important role in policy debates and processes, but presently
their involvement is not adequate.
This thesis explores how scientists perceive their role in policymaking
and which factors are relevant for their motivation for
policy engagement. Using the empirical data from the research
with agricultural biotechnology scientists this thesis identifies and
describes a new role for scientists in controversial policy-making
and provides recommendations for institutional strategies that
are needed to facilitate that scientists adopt this role in practice. ... Read more