Policy forums and learning in fields underpinned by regulatory science

Abstract

In policy fields where regulatory science underpins government decision making, barriers to policy learning tend to be more entrenched. Presented with new and improved scientific methods and technologies, a key question increasingly facing regulatory authorities is how best to adapt established procedures without alienating stakeholders who value stability and low regulatory uncertainty? Focusing on the highly institutionalized field of environmental chemical risk assessment and drawing on recent advances in the conceptualization and operationalization of policy learning and policy forums, this paper explores factors linked to individuals and forum dynamics that encourage policy learning in fields underpinned by regulatory science. Using survey research, we analyze the learning experiences reported by policy actors who participated in an international ecotoxicology policy forum. Results suggest that open, balanced, and professional norm-driven forums will not necessarily produce efficient policy learning in fields underpinned by regulatory science due to motivated skepticism insomuch as forum participants are acutely aware that scientific advance may introduce uncertainty into regulatory processes and outcomes. Results also suggest that the longevity of actors’ forum participation is important to facilitate learning.