Science and scientists in regulatory governance: A mezzo-level framework for analysis

The article argues that the study of science in government needs a viable mezzo- or middle-level framework to deal adequately with the analysis of science in regulatory governance and then advances a possible framework. The case for mezzo-level analysis is developed through a brief review of relevant literature on science in government policy and regulatory decision-making, which is basically on macro and micro 'science in government' relationships, and tends to neglect the 'mezzo-ham' in the analytical 'sandwich'. The suggested mezzo-framework centres on five sub-processes: regulation-making and standard-setting; product approval; overall compliance; post-market monitoring; and management of the science base. For each sub-process, there are different relationships between scientists and non-scientists, among scientists, and among various players in regulatory governance within and outside the state.

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