Socio-Economic Research Programme

Collaborators:

1. Dr Andy Stirling, Social Policy Research Unit (SPRU), University of Sussex, UK
2. Prof John O'Neill and Prof Alan Holland, Department of Philosophy, University of Lancaster, UK
3. Prof Ortwin Renn, Prof Uwe Pfenning and Ms Pia-Johanna Schoenberger, Centre of Technology Assessment, Akademie für Technikfolgenabschätzung in Baden-Württemberg, Germany
4. Prof Miguel Sánchez-Padrón, Departamento Economía Aplicada, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
5. Prof Arild Vatn and Ms Valborg Kvakkestad, Department of Economics & Social Sciences, Agricultural University of Norway, Norway
6. Dr Claire Marris and Dr Pierre-Benoit Joly, Unite sur l'Environnement, techniques, societes, politiques economiques, INRA, France
7. Prof Marino Bonaiuto, Prof Mirilia Bonnes and Dr Giuseppe Carrus, Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Project Summary

The CIVICS Thematic Network constitutes the development phase, for research into methods for the public assessment of socially and ethically acceptable technologies capable of improving the quality of human life. The project focuses on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production as a case study for integrating economic, social and environmental objectives in policy formation.

The aim of CIVICS is to find mechanisms for effective communication of the uncertainty and risk inherent in the use of GMOs to meet the needs of the public both as consumers of technologically intensive goods and citizens concerned for the welfare of the environment and future generations.

The CIVICS Thematic Network will achieve the following benchmarks:

• the identification of the major issues concerning policy formation regarding GMO technology across Europe
• the identification of additional partners and interested parties relevant to the CIVICS project;
• the establishment of a GMO issue database covering institutions and policies across the participating countries;
• the development of processes and research method for the implementation attitudinal surveys and citizens' juries in the CIVICS project capable of coping with cross-cultural issues; and
• the preparation of a research agenda to be pursued in future covering the potential for an implementation phase of CIVICS.

Interdisciplinary project partners, relevant parties from industry and non-government organisations (NGOs) will be gathered together to assess the current state of the debate over the implementation of GMOs across Europe. Links with non-EU partners will be explored where appropriate. Information gathered will be used to build a database on issues, legislation and publications as well as identifying institutions working in the area. Cross-cultural issues will be identified and will inform the implementation phase under an RTD project.