Co-regulation in science

A recent literature review of citizen participation draws attention to the potential for citizens as co-regulators.

Many science dialogues tackle topics that are about the regulation of science and scientists. However, while there is an increasing recognition for the needs of citizens to have a say in the formulation of regulations for science, particularly with emerging technologies (e.g. synthetic biology or nanotechnology), there has been very little involvement of citizens in the actual enforcement of these regulations.

The absence of citizen participation in the formulation of regulation is not exclusive to science. The review’s author, Paul Sanderson, suggests that citizens have been largely excluded from formal regulatory processes across the board. Although ‘co-regulation’ is increasingly popular, it is usually between the regulator and those affected by the regulation. Examples of three-way co-regulation, which also involve citizens, are much harder to come by.

Some might argue that the important thing is that citizens have a say in the content of regulations, rather than how they are enforced. But could there be benefits from involving citizens more holistically in the governance of science? It could, perhaps, increase accountability to the public (leading to higher levels of trust), or it could give citizen co-regulators a better understanding of the regulatory process so they can feed into the review of regulations or the formulation of regulations in other areas of science. Furthermore, the methods of science dialogue could have much to offer the regulatory process. As Sanderson argues:

‘Where traditional co-regulation is designed (as is common) as a form of bargaining between parties, it leads inevitably to gaming for position and advantage. Drawing on the evidence... it may be better to focus on ways of co-regulating that emphasise and incorporate communication, deliberation and participation of regulator, regulatees, citizens and consumers, and Government.’

While examples of citizen co-regulation are too limited to assess the contribution it could make to science dialogue, this could be an interesting avenue to explore over the coming years.