Eighteen Academic research and public policy
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Brian Head
Abstract
Academic researchers sometimes seek to influence policy debate but are more closely involved in documenting the exercise of political power, the causes of policy change, and debates over policy reform. This chapter examines several types of policy-related research and how academic policy advice and research findings have been accepted as inputs into the policy process. It has often been claimed that academics and policy practitioners are distinctive communities, and that bridging the gap is extremely difficult. Nevertheless, there has been a notable increase in dialogue and exchange, and several academics have become prominent as policy advisors or commentators. The incentives and barriers to academic engagement in contemporary policy debates are outlined. The chapter concludes by considering how the institutional and cultural gaps between the research sector and policy-makers can be most effectively bridged.
Abstract
Academic researchers sometimes seek to influence policy debate but are more closely involved in documenting the exercise of political power, the causes of policy change, and debates over policy reform. This chapter examines several types of policy-related research and how academic policy advice and research findings have been accepted as inputs into the policy process. It has often been claimed that academics and policy practitioners are distinctive communities, and that bridging the gap is extremely difficult. Nevertheless, there has been a notable increase in dialogue and exchange, and several academics have become prominent as policy advisors or commentators. The incentives and barriers to academic engagement in contemporary policy debates are outlined. The chapter concludes by considering how the institutional and cultural gaps between the research sector and policy-makers can be most effectively bridged.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter i
- Contents v
- List of tables and figures vii
- List of abbreviations viii
- Australian states and territories; Australian governments from 1972; and map of Australian states and territories xi
- Notes on contributors xiii
- Editors’ introduction to the series xvii
- Foreword xix
- Preface xxiv
- Policy analysis in Australia: context, themes and challenges 1
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The ‘policy advising’ context
- Policy professionals in context: advisors and ministers 23
- The economic context of policy analysis in Australia 37
- Policy analysis and public sector capacity 53
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Analysis and advice within government
- Policy analysis at the federal government level 71
- Policy and policy analysis in Australian states 87
- Policy analysis capacity and Australian local government 105
- Reflections on policy advice in Australia 121
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Policy analysis beyond executive government
- Parliamentary committees and inquiries 137
- Expert policy advisory bodies 151
- Consultants, think tanks and public policy 167
- Media influence on public policy 183
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Parties and interest groups in policy analysis
- Policy development in political parties 201
- Business associations and policy analysis 217
- Policy and the labour movement 231
- Policy capacity in the community sector 245
-
Policy analysis instruction and research
- Policy analysis instruction in Australia 261
- Academic research and public policy 283
- Index 303
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter i
- Contents v
- List of tables and figures vii
- List of abbreviations viii
- Australian states and territories; Australian governments from 1972; and map of Australian states and territories xi
- Notes on contributors xiii
- Editors’ introduction to the series xvii
- Foreword xix
- Preface xxiv
- Policy analysis in Australia: context, themes and challenges 1
-
The ‘policy advising’ context
- Policy professionals in context: advisors and ministers 23
- The economic context of policy analysis in Australia 37
- Policy analysis and public sector capacity 53
-
Analysis and advice within government
- Policy analysis at the federal government level 71
- Policy and policy analysis in Australian states 87
- Policy analysis capacity and Australian local government 105
- Reflections on policy advice in Australia 121
-
Policy analysis beyond executive government
- Parliamentary committees and inquiries 137
- Expert policy advisory bodies 151
- Consultants, think tanks and public policy 167
- Media influence on public policy 183
-
Parties and interest groups in policy analysis
- Policy development in political parties 201
- Business associations and policy analysis 217
- Policy and the labour movement 231
- Policy capacity in the community sector 245
-
Policy analysis instruction and research
- Policy analysis instruction in Australia 261
- Academic research and public policy 283
- Index 303
