Nine The development of public engagement in Taiwan
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Mei Jen Hung
Abstract
Public engagement in Taiwan has evolved with democratization. Based on William Duhn’s framework, this chapter discusses the contribution of public participation in each policy development stage and illustrates different kinds of contributions using recent experiments of public engagement in the 2000s in Taiwan. Recent experiments, including citizen consensus conference, citizen jury, scenario workshop, deliberative polling and surveys, grant citizens new opportunities to learn about public policy and their perspectives on policy issues. Other than the recent experiments, the Lo-Sheng movement is introduced as an exemplary case of public engagement. Participants in the Lo-Sheng case formulated policy proposals, disseminated information, and engaged local residents, politicians, and government agencies. Public engagement is of particular importance where citizens had been under authoritarian rule and defer to authority. The development of a political culture that encourages trust and participation is critical; meaningful participation must engage in the transformation of attitudes of citizens and government officials.
Abstract
Public engagement in Taiwan has evolved with democratization. Based on William Duhn’s framework, this chapter discusses the contribution of public participation in each policy development stage and illustrates different kinds of contributions using recent experiments of public engagement in the 2000s in Taiwan. Recent experiments, including citizen consensus conference, citizen jury, scenario workshop, deliberative polling and surveys, grant citizens new opportunities to learn about public policy and their perspectives on policy issues. Other than the recent experiments, the Lo-Sheng movement is introduced as an exemplary case of public engagement. Participants in the Lo-Sheng case formulated policy proposals, disseminated information, and engaged local residents, politicians, and government agencies. Public engagement is of particular importance where citizens had been under authoritarian rule and defer to authority. The development of a political culture that encourages trust and participation is critical; meaningful participation must engage in the transformation of attitudes of citizens and government officials.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter i
- Contents v
- List of tables and figures vii
- Acknowledgements ix
- Notes on contributors x
- Policy analysis in a time of turbulence 1
- Exploring policy advisory committees in the central government 23
- Analysis of innovative local government policies in Taiwan 39
- Policy analysis in the legislative body: the legislative process of the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act in Taiwan 53
- Policy analysis in the local councils 67
- Gendering policy analysis? The problems and pitfalls of participatory ‘gender impact assessment’ 81
- The power of influencing policies, or getting their share and more: interest groups in Taiwan 95
- Think tanks in Taiwan 111
- The development of public engagement in Taiwan 123
- Social media and policy evolution in Taiwan 137
- Policy analysis by non-governmental organisations in Taiwan 151
- Policy network of universal healthcare reform in Taiwan 171
- Public policy and administration research 187
- Too critical to ignore? A tri-dimensional relationship examination of policy analysis internship in Taiwan 207
- Policy analysis in Taiwan from an international perspective 219
- Policy analysis education in Taiwan: a comparative perspective 231
- Index 247
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter i
- Contents v
- List of tables and figures vii
- Acknowledgements ix
- Notes on contributors x
- Policy analysis in a time of turbulence 1
- Exploring policy advisory committees in the central government 23
- Analysis of innovative local government policies in Taiwan 39
- Policy analysis in the legislative body: the legislative process of the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act in Taiwan 53
- Policy analysis in the local councils 67
- Gendering policy analysis? The problems and pitfalls of participatory ‘gender impact assessment’ 81
- The power of influencing policies, or getting their share and more: interest groups in Taiwan 95
- Think tanks in Taiwan 111
- The development of public engagement in Taiwan 123
- Social media and policy evolution in Taiwan 137
- Policy analysis by non-governmental organisations in Taiwan 151
- Policy network of universal healthcare reform in Taiwan 171
- Public policy and administration research 187
- Too critical to ignore? A tri-dimensional relationship examination of policy analysis internship in Taiwan 207
- Policy analysis in Taiwan from an international perspective 219
- Policy analysis education in Taiwan: a comparative perspective 231
- Index 247
