EXPERTS AND PUBLICS IN THE REGULATION OF EMBRYONIC (STEM CELL) RESEARCH (1998 - 2002). THE BRITISH AND THE NETHERLANDS APPROACHES AND EXPERIENCES COMPARED.

In recent decades the traditional model of policy making, which strongly relies on expert advice, came under pressure and calls for increased public participation in decision making became louder. Advocates of the latter expect that this will contribute to a democratisation of decision making processes. This article presents a comparative analysis of organised public involvement in processes leading to the regulation of embryonic stem cell research in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. My analysis shows that the articulation of public views was closely related to the form in which public engagements were structured. An open structure attracted knowledgeable publics capable of articulating views and concerns which were considerably different from those identified by experts. This public was primarily concerned about the long-term social and cultural impacts, whereas experts assessing the new developments tended to focus on benefits and risks. The discussion of these more inclusive legislative processes suggests that the expectations regarding democratisation should be tempered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]