A Need for Post‐Impact and Policy Studies: The Case of the “Shetland Experience”*

This article argues that many studies of social impacts of energy development deal with prior predictions of impact rather than actual impacts of development. Further it suggests that more attention be paid to the intervening variables of policy and planning. To illustrate the need for post‐impact studies, the “Shetland Experience” is described. Shetland, where the anticipation of onshore oil development has produced policy specifically designed to avoid negative social impacts, is often referred to as a success in dealing with rapid change. However, due to lack of empirical research, it is not yet known if the policy was effective.