Conclusion

This chapter looks at whether there is a future existence for social impact assessment (S.I.A.) and public involvement (P.I.) Finding that there is, it suggests how these procedures will evolve over time and the research needed to move and support these changes. Since S.I.A. and P.I. are part of policy formation, they are looked at in light of a theoretical discussion of policy formation and decision making. In face of economic cutbacks there is a growing sense that P.I. and S.I.A. take too much time and money. S.I.A. is about people as they are part of all the complex interactions of an organized technocratic society. P.I. and S.I.A. will continue to be useful and necessary tools for policy formation and planning. In instances where the policy maker moves from conflict resolution into a process of mediation and negotiation, S.I.A. and P.I. will continue to be necessary tools.