A social license to operate for aquaculture in Tasmania: The importance of theory-testing

Increasing societal conflict around natural resource extraction industry operations has given rise to the argument that - in most locations – these operations do not hold a social license to operate (SLO). This has led to substantial theoretical development of the SLO concept, yet the empirical grounding of this theory has not kept pace. This study tested five hypotheses regarding those factors that may influence the achievement or withdrawal of an industry's SLO, using Tasmanian aquaculture as a case example. The results found strong support for one hypothesis, weaker support for two hypotheses and no support for two hypotheses. This reinforces the importance of theory-testing, to identify where there is support or not for hypotheses, to foster curiosity regarding why, and to identify where further knowledge is needed. To better balance natural resource extraction with human needs, we must continuously challenge the theories proposed in this rapidly developing field.