Asiantilanteesta

Asiantilanteesta is a term used in Finnish discourse to describe the state of affairs surrounding the use of expert knowledge in public decision-making. The concept centers on how scientific and professional expertise intersects with political judgment, institutional incentives, and democratic accountability.

Definition and scope: The term covers the processes by which authorities solicit, assess, and integrate expert advice; how uncertainty and risk are communicated; and how policy choices reflect trade-offs between technical feasibility, economic considerations, and social values. It also encompasses questions of epistemic authority, legitimacy of advisors, and the transparency of advisory procedures.

Origins and usage: The expression has appeared in Finnish academic writing and journalism as debates about science policy, risk governance, and governance of innovation have grown. It is used to analyze both ideal models of evidence-based policymaking and real-world constraints such as political competition, time pressures, and stakeholder influence.

Criticism and challenges: Proponents of careful use of expertise stress open deliberation and clear articulation of uncertainties. Critics warn of technocracy, bias, or undue influence by interest groups if advisory processes are opaque. The concept also raises questions about the inclusion of lay perspectives and public trust.

See also: epistemic authority, science policy, evidence-based policymaking, risk governance, technocracy.