The Development of Public Engagement in Taiwan
Journal
Policy Analysis in Taiwan
Pages
123–136
ISBN
9781447308300
Date Issued
2015-04
Author(s)
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.
Subjects
public policy
Publisher
Policy Press
Type
book part