In my view, it’s crucial for policy experts to engage the public for two reasons. The first is the moral duty. Society only evolves when knowledge is shared and distributed. Arguably, this socialization is what turns information into knowledge. And there’s a more pragmatic reason, based on the way democracy has changed in the UK, US, and elsewhere. The public have access and influence over policy makers like never before. Decisions are not made in a vacuum. If experts don’t engage in public conversations, don’t be surprised if their expertise is ignored when policies are formed, in favor of those who have.
