Public participation in scientific agenda-setting and technical decision-making has a prominent place on the agenda of Science and Technology Studies. The many studies have pointed out that involvement of citizens in scientific and technological activities with a notable impact on the way people live is an issue of democratic principle as well as making the right combination of different forms of expertise.,
Policymakers therefore have to look for implementation frameworks that increase public accountability and allow for appropriate management of available knowledge sources. Experience and findings in the academic field of Development Studies and among international development agencies, have moved along a similar path.
