Download PDF version - FenRIAM

Risk.1.1: Lack of political supportRelevance:The indicator describes the risk that the project might undergo duringperiods with a lack of political support in the course of the RI’s lifetime.Since most RIs are to a large extent publicly funded and investmentsin RIs tend to be politically motivated, such a development might havesevere consequences for a facility. In particular scientific or public controversiesabout the RI project might affect the initial political support.Changes in the political and economic framework conditions, the publicopinion, the scientific knowledge or the technological possibilitiesthat can occur during the long lifetime of an RI might cause a decreaseof an initially existing political support.Compilation:• Identify and report indications for existing controversy about the RIproject in the involved investor countries or regions. If such controversiesexist, assess how likely they will affect the current or futurepolitical support and how severe the consequences for the projectwill be and define the risk level.• Identify and report potential occurrences in the future that arelikely to cause changes of the political support. Assess their likelihoodand the possible consequences in order to define a risk level.Data sources and collection methods:• Document analysis of political and / or public debates about theRI project, e.g. political speeches, media, ...• Expert interviews with suitable internal and external experts(Depends strongly on the specific case: e.g. project manager, PRmanager of the project, external scientists and technology experts,political journalists, sociologists, ethicists, representativesof public interest groups...)Data analysis methods:• Risk analysis• Descriptive content analysisForesight methods as focus groups or public debates might be usefulin some cases.References:Risk assessment templateDefinitions and explanations:Likelihood for an event: Use the scale rare – unlikely – possible – likely –almost certain as defined in the risk assessment templates.Consequences of an event: Use the scale insignificant – minor – moderate– major – catastrophic as defined in the risk assessment templates.268