GPDC 1 Nov 21 (2024) Introduction - Jean Hugé

Course Introduction

• Instructors: Prof. Dr. Jean Hugé, Prof. Dr. Karolien van Puyvelde, Prof. Dr. Nico Koedam

• Date: November 21, 2024

• Course Title: Governance & Policy in Development & Cooperation (GPDC)

Course Overview

• Objective: Introductory course focusing on governance and policy aspects for students with a natural sciences background.

• Content Structure:

  • Classic lectures with Q&A sessions

  • Interactive assignments, including stakeholder interviews and a visit to the Parlamentarium

  • Autonomous study hours

• Targeted Programs:

  • 1st Year Master of Biology (optional)

  • 1st Year Master of Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management

  • TROPIMUNDO Master in Tropical Biodiversity & Ecosystems

Course Team Contacts

• Prof. Dr. Jean Hugé

  • VUB, ULB, Hasselt University, Open University of the Netherlands

  • Email: Jean.Huge@vub.be, Jean.Huge@ou.nl

• Prof. Dr. Nico Koedam

  • UGent, Emeritus VUB

  • Email: koedamnico@gmail.com

• Prof. Dr. Karolien Van Puyvelde

  • VUB

  • Email: Karolien.Van.Puyvelde@vub.be

Course Content Breakdown

• Session Overview:

  • Class on science-policy-society interactions by Prof. Jean Hugé

  • Key message: Understanding scientists' roles in society

Key Course Sections

1. Scientists in Society

2. Decision-Making

3. Challenges in Decision-Making

4. Transitioning from Decisions to Governance & Policy

Part 1: Scientists in Society

• Interactive Dynamic:

  • Science's role as a stakeholder in societal decisions

  • Knowledge production through systematic and trusted methods

  • Challenges: Trust issues with society, scientists commenting beyond their expertise

Part 2: Decision-Making

• Nature of Decision-Making:

  • Collective action organization involving choices on numerous societal matters

  • Understanding of decision-making as a negotiation process influenced by various factors

  • when making decisions- you have to alternative option/arguing with one’s selfweigh alternative options, which often involves an internal dialogue or self-argument to evaluate the pros and cons of each choice. - resulting balance of arguments determines outcome

  • evidence informs policy ideally

Decision-Making Models

• Rational Model: Emphasizes the goal-oriented nature of decisions, comparing options, and evaluating post-decision results.

• Realistic Model: Acknowledges the complexity and irrational aspects of decision-making, overcoming limited perspectives and biases.

Key Factors in Decision-Making

• Complexity and negotiation: Decisions influenced by ideology, interests, and institutional factors

• Emotional and Cognitive Influences:

  • Bounded rationality: Limited by information and cognitive constraints

  • Cognitive biases impacting the decision-making framework

Part 3: Challenges in Decision-Making

• Concepts Explaining Decision-Making Messiness:

  • Bounded Rationality and Cognitive Limitations

  • Group Decision-Making Biases: Groupthink, egocentrism, and shared information bias

  • Fast & Slow Thinking: The dual processing model of human thought

Challenges in Group Dynamics

• Impacts of social dynamics and biases in group decision-making processes

• Importance of recognizing and mitigating biases (confirmation bias, production blocking)

Assignments Overview

• Individual Assignment:

  • Analyze a governance body or project in development cooperation

  • Focus on the contributions from natural sciences or the need for such an interaction

• Group Assignment:

  • Conduct stakeholder interviews, focusing on role and perception of science in governance

Reflections and Key Learnings

• Understanding the complexity and messiness of decision-making in governance areas

• A critical reflection on the interaction of science and policy, and the roles of various societal actors

Future Engagement

• Visit to the Parlamentarium on November 23rd, 2024 for practical insights into governance.