US Lags Europe in Engaging People in Science/Technology Decisions

One of my favorite resources is the Sciencewise Expert Resource Centre for Public Dialogue In Science and Innovation (ERC) in the UK, which assists policy makers in using public dialogue in science and technology. They're doing some marvelous, leading edge work on how we engage people effectively around technical subjects.

An email report from ERC today noted how Europe is ahead of the US in science dialogue, with a link to these reports from Europe.

The email also notes a recent report from The Woodrow Wilson Center's Science and Technology Innovation Center that calls "for Citizen Participation to Inform Decision-Making on Science and Technology." See the report here.

Do you agree with ERC's assessment? How prevalent is scientific engagement in your country, community or organization?