Stakeholder participation in the regulatory mission.

This applied research project aims to assist the nuclear regulatory authority in Sweden (SSM) in developing appropriate forms of dialogue and consultation, directed at different stakeholders during the construction and operation of facilities related to the final disposal of nuclear waste and spent nuclear fuel. It furthermore wants to contribute to the literature on environmental and technological risk governance by focusing on the long-term participation in the implementation and operation of geological disposal. For that purpose, a qualitative analysis will be undertaken of expectations and concerns among the main actors involved as well as opportunities and threats regarding targeted engagement activity by SSM. The research will consist of a literature review and document analysis, as well as in-depth interviews and small group discussions with targeted respondents (e.g. the Swedish Municipalities with nuclear facilities - with a specific focus on Östhammar and Oskarshamn, national and regional concerned authorities, NGOs, etc). Most of this field work will be done through online interaction. The views collected will be compared with the experience of a number of regulatory authorities from other countries, more specifically, Canada, Switzerland, France and Belgium.

Keywords:QUALITATIVE RESEARCH, REGULATORY GOVERNANCE, STAKEHOLDER AND CITIZENS PARTICIPATION, NUCLEAR WASTE DISPOSAL

Disciplines:Sociology and social studies of science and technology, Environment policy, Environmental sociology, Voluntary associations, participation and civil society