Building robust, integrative inter-disciplinary governance models for emerging and existing risks

FP6 Co-ordination Action on Integrative Approaches to Risk Governance

Project Duration: 1 July 2006 – 30 June 2009

Project Outline

This project developed an integrative risk governance model choosing:

• an open project architecture rather than using a specific risk governance model;
• a policy learning approach as the central mode of operation, allowing for integrating input across different science fields, across different geographical boundaries, and across the science-policy interface;
• cases related to complex, ambiguous risk fields where the agreement of risk governance approaches is limited, or related to new, emerging risks.

In the preparatory phase the key project partners developed a framework for risk governance learning, including classifications of risk governance situations and of social and cultural settings, criteria for 'good quality' processes in governance, methods to promote learning within and across risk fields.

The second phase six risk case fields involving uncertainty/ambiguity or novel challenges were included:

• Biotechnology / stem cells (leader: Innogen, UK, prof. Tait)
• Radioactive waste (leader: Institute Symlog, France, dr. Mays)
• Nanotechnology (leader: JRC/IPSC/KAM, EU, ir. Craye and dr. Funtowicz)
• Climate change (leader: Dialogik, Germany, prof. Renn)
• Sediments (leader: TNO, Netherlands, dr. Van der Vlies)
• Electromagnetic Fields (leader: ISIG, Italy, prof. de Machi and prof. Pellizoni)

After the Project
After finalization of the Risk Bridge project (30 June 2009) the project website is maintained by the International Risk Governance Council. The website will be online available until October 2010.