The Deadlock in European Decision-Making on GMOs as a Wicked Problem by Design: A Need for Repoliticization

Abstract

Altering the DNA of living organisms, also genetic modification, genetic engineering, or genetic manipulation, is playing an increasing and significant role in our lives, our food, and our environment. At the same time, the societal acceptance of this technology varies widely, and scientific uncertainties play a recurring role in the safety assessment of applications. In Europe, decision-making about genetically modified (GM) crops has become a laborious process in which scientific uncertainty and societal controversy are used as reasons to delay or halt GM crop authorizations as well as decisions about the legal status of new techniques such as gene editing. This article discusses the contributions and limitations of technocratic, participatory, and regulatory strategies that have been used to mitigate the situation. I will argue why scientific knowledge, input from participatory activities, and regulatory measures alone or all together are insufficient to resolve the deadlock in decision-making about biotechnology. I highlight the essential role of politics in this process because without political prioritization, gene editing in Europe will end up in the same deadlock.