Managed by AEA Technology plc and funded by DIUS 1.

1Managed by AEA Technology plc and funded by DIUSwww.sciencewise-erc.org.uk


Mass engagement

Up-scaling ERC work stream

Motivations

Definitions

Methods

Cost / Value


We have summarised motivations for large scale engagement as;

To inform policy

To secure understanding, buy-in or a mandate from the public

For policy makers to deal with uncertainty and manage risk.

To strengthen democracy, demonstrate the benefits of citizen engagement


When asked... So why will large scale provide this?

The data has to be credible with political decision makers, the public or the media

The process needs to be representative of the public at large

Because I want to understand grassroots views from a diverse population (culture, language, country)

I want the process / results to receive high profile, positive media coverage

I want lots of high quality findings from an informed public to support the evidence base.

I want participants to feel excited, enthused, positive I want people to understand, take action or change

behaviour as a result of the engagement


Issues that therefore need to be addressed

Definitions of process Credibility Representativeness Covering a large and diverse population Media profile Public buy-in / understanding desired Participants feeling good about participating


Methods - Large scale mass events

Example Your health your care your say, America speaks

Features

• Representative samples

• High profile

• High cost

• Deliberative research

• Highly controlled and manageable

Best fit need for credible data with policy makers and media, useful to inform developing policy


Methods – Public outreach projects

Example -GM nation, Corwm

Features

• Requires marketing

• Self selecting

• Media can be big influencer

• Pretty uncontrolled

Best fit

Understanding grass roots views (if well marketed), behaviour or call to action


Methods – Online tools 1

Example - Online petitions, blogs and wikis, forums

Features

• Requires marketing

• Self selecting (although can be by invitation only)

• Media can be big influencer

• Pretty uncontrolled

• Open and transparent

Best fit

Enabling grass roots engagement, behaviour or call to action


Methods – Online tools 2

Example - Structured engagement tools, BERR nuclear consultation, sciencehorizons

Features • Requires marketing • Self selecting (although can be by invitation only)• Media can be big influencer • provides significant control• Open and transparent • Can be integrated with other tools including face to face and self managed groups

Best fit Enabling grass roots engagement, I high quality findings from to support the evidence base, can deal with complext topics


Key messages

Starting with a desire to do mass engagement is not the right start point

Understand your motivations – they will have a big impact on your tools

Know the difference between campaigning and engagement


Sciencewise-ERC

The Sciencewise-ERC, funded by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) helps policy makers commission and use public dialogue to inform policy decisions in emerging areas of science and technology. It consists of a comprehensive online resource of information, advice and guidance together with a wide range of support services aimed at policy makers and all the different stakeholders involved in science and technology policy making, including the public. The Sciencewise-ERC also provides co-funding to Government departments and agencies to develop and commission public dialogue activities.

For further information please log onto www.sciencewise-erc.org.uk

Managed by AEA Technology plc and funded by DIUS 1.

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