So Britain is wise to include public-interest groups and consumer representatives on the advisory committees that are being set up to look at the social and ethical aspects of biotechnology.

ECONOMIST: Who��s afraid?

Ross Rubin is principal analyst at Reticle Research, a research and advisory firm focusing on consumer technology adoption.

ENGADGET: Switched On: Battling for the bronze

The Pensions Advisory Service offers free guidance about pensions, and the Consumer Financial Education Body explains the jargon in its Moneymadeclear website.

BBC: How to cope with financial difficulties

Under the eye of activist groups and required by order of Congress, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) research organization known as the Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel or CHAP is expected to issue an updated scientific review soon.

FORBES: Connect

The SEC is also in the process of re-establishing an Investor Advisory Committee, as mandated by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

FORBES: Doing More For The "Little Guys" - SEC Reaches Out To Small Business

"The number of financial-education resources to choose from is overwhelmingly large, " said a report in January from the President's Advisory Council on Financial Capability, a panel of experts in financial services, consumer protection and education.

WSJ: What Is Your Financial IQ?

"People saw the VAT increase as economic suicide, but the moment the decision was made, there were enormous spikes in consumer confidence, " says Timothy Jones, European analyst at Medley Global Advisors, a political and economic advisory firm.

FORBES: Magazine Article