Scientific expertise in complex decision-making processes

A picture of complex decision-making processes is sketched based on empirical research. These processes are found to be unpredictable, both in content and in time. A number of quality criteria for decision-making are also presented, including satisfaction with the results on the part of the actors involved, and consolidation of the decision-making by ensuring consideration of a variety of options, followed by selection on the basis of this variety. Provisions are described which increase the likelihood that research will have an effect on the decision-making process. These provisions are contingent, in line with the unpredictability of the processes. They promote the creation of ‘negotiated knowledge’. Orderly interplay between the research and decision-making processes is essential to ensure this. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.