Who Has Voice in Decision-Making About Emerging Technologies? Examining Influence in the Regulatory Review Process

• In Event: Science, Technology, and the Regulation of Food and Agriculture #1

Abstract

Genetically engineered salmon have been approved for human consumption in the United States (US) and Canada, but it has only been released for sale in Canada. In the US, the debate concerning categorization, labeling, and materiality continue in tandem with conversations related to definitions of risk and the appeal for meaningful democratization of the regulatory review process. The US Food and Drug Administration contends that risk assessments for emerging food biotechnology should be based on objective, "pure-science". Opposition to the "pure-science" approach has been described as emotion and dogma that fails to provide scientific facts. Still, completed risk assessments fail to address all of the scientific concerns, suggesting the presence of "epistemological dogma" in the decision-making process. This presents an opportunity to explore narratives that are being used to influence decision-making and those that are not. To this end, this study has two goals: (1) to explore narrative elements and narrative strategies used in the regulatory review process to develop regulations for food-biotechnology, and (2) to examine how narrative strategies are used to reinforce and shape the regulatory guidelines for food-biotechnology now and in the future. To accomplish this goal, this study employs content analysis guided by Narrative Policy Framework and insights from the cultural cognition of risk theory. Data will be taken from public comments and public and congressional hearings.
Preliminary findings suggest associations between specific narratives and certain cognitive biases: confirmed through interrater reliability. This research offers practical guidance for science communication and for understanding how groups can become engaged to reconfigure policy outcomes.

Author

• Teshanee Williams, North Carolina State University