Large technical systems, institutional surprises, and challenges to political legitimacy

Abstract

The risk of losing political legitimacy is a growing problem for many institutions in industrialized democracies. It is a matter of growing and unfamiliar urgency for technologically oriented agencies and industries: large technical systems (LTSs). Whereas LTSs are perceived as beneficial by most, they are also objects of concern. Rising opposition to technical programs and to the deployment of advanced technologies and a recent decline in public support of large-scale scientific and technological developments are evident. The authors examine the properties inherent in large technical systems that increase the risk to their deployers and sponsors of losing political legitimacy. The management of radioactive wastes in the U.S. and the public's trust in the Department of Energy is used as an example. Generalizations are made to other technical systems.