Social science research

SKB also conducts and funds research in the field of social sciences. The purpose is to be able to give decision-makers data reflecting the social aspects in connection to the nuclear waste issue. Four areas of social science have been deemed to be particularly relevant:

• Socioeconomic impact – Macroeconomic effects
• Decision processes
• Public opinion and attitudes – psychosocial effects
• Global changes 

Socioeconomic impact – Macroeconomic effects

Socioeconomic impact includes both narrowly economic aspects such as employment and industrial establishment and macroeconomic effects. The research supported by SKB is aimed at gaining better knowledge of how the economy and demographics of individual communities are affected by the establishment of a new, large facility in the community. This knowledge can contribute to both SKB’s and the concerned municipalities’ and other stakeholders’ assessments of how the establishment of the final repository may affect the community’s economy and demographics.

Decision processes

Siting of a final repository for spent nuclear fuel has repercussions for community planning, national energy policy and international policies. By addressing political questions of this special character, the research is attempting to lay the foundation for a general knowledge concerning decision processes in complex issues. This knowledge can in turn make contributions to consultations, surveys, planning and decision-making.

Public opinion and attitudes – psychosocial effects

The purpose of this research is to study how opinions and attitudes are formed and change. This knowledge contributes to a better understanding of different actors’ decision-making. Opinions and attitudes are not just a reflection of decision making, actual events and communicated messages. Individual characteristics and perceptions of reality also play a role. Deep-seated values and norms, group identification, perceived fears, anxiety about risks, and self-interest are some examples of factors that also influence public opinion and attitudes. It is therefore also important to shed light on the “symbolism” surrounding the final repository and its activities.

Global changes

The establishment of the final repository is a question that is clearly related to changes in the world around us. Research in the field can lead to a greater knowledge of relevant global factors and global changes. This knowledge can make a very valuable contribution to planning, studies, consultations and decision-making before and after the permit/licence applications. The knowledge may also be important for the future operation of the deep repository. The economic situation and trend in the local community is dependent on a variety of circumstances in the surrounding world. What kind of future Swedish state will assume responsibility for the final repository? Legislation, regulation and financing, as well as the country’s economic situation, are factors of importance. Another important global change is Sweden’s participation in the development of the European political and economic cooperation.

(Sourse: RD&D-programme 2004 and RD&D-programme 2007)

For more information, please contact chief coordinatior Marcus Laaksoharju.

Visit SKB website and search among publications.

    
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