The Multilevel Regulation of Complex Policy Problems: Uncertainty and the Swine Flu Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Public Health Policy
• Governance Studies
• Risk Communication

Background:

• Complex policy problems in multilevel governance present significant challenges.
• Understanding how scientific expertise and uncertainty are managed is crucial for effective regulation.
• The H1N1 pandemic of 2009 serves as a critical case for examining these dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the challenges of tackling complex policy problems within multilevel governance structures.
• To investigate the distinct approaches to uncertainty and scientific expertise in pandemic regulation.
• To compare the regulatory practices of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU).

Main Methods:

• Comparative case study analysis focusing on the H1N1 pandemic (2009).
• Examination of regulatory practices at the global (WHO) and European (EU) levels.
• Analysis of how scientific expertise and uncertainty were communicated and managed.

Main Results:

• A fundamental difference in attitudes toward uncertainty was observed between the WHO and the EU.
• The WHO adopted a 'speaking truth to power' approach, denying uncertainty.
• The EU, conversely, embraced open communication about uncertainty as part of its scientific expertise role.

Conclusions:

• The WHO's denial of uncertainty faced criticism.
• The EU's open communication strategy regarding uncertainty was positively received.
• Effective management and communication of uncertainty are vital for successful multilevel governance in public health crises.