Policy Press
Chapter 12 International lesson drawing
Abstract
This chapter presents ideas on how to improve cross-national, comparative research as well as international city-to-city learning and exchange. It starts out by examining the nature of comparative research and then sets out a new way of thinking about international exchange. This distinguishes three important sets of factors: ideological and political forces; ideas in good currency; and the agency exercised by place-based leaders. The notion of ‘best practice’ is strongly criticised and it is suggested that the notion should be discarded. A framework for international lesson drawing is presented. This distinguishes two kinds of policy transfer – informal and formal – and three content categories: technical measures; policy and practice; and governance change. The framework is intended to provide a useful way of mapping the terrain of international exchange, and to assist those involved in place-based leadership to develop a more purposeful approach to international lesson drawing.
Abstract
This chapter presents ideas on how to improve cross-national, comparative research as well as international city-to-city learning and exchange. It starts out by examining the nature of comparative research and then sets out a new way of thinking about international exchange. This distinguishes three important sets of factors: ideological and political forces; ideas in good currency; and the agency exercised by place-based leaders. The notion of ‘best practice’ is strongly criticised and it is suggested that the notion should be discarded. A framework for international lesson drawing is presented. This distinguishes two kinds of policy transfer – informal and formal – and three content categories: technical measures; policy and practice; and governance change. The framework is intended to provide a useful way of mapping the terrain of international exchange, and to assist those involved in place-based leadership to develop a more purposeful approach to international lesson drawing.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures vi
- List of innovation stories vii
- About the author viii
- Preface ix
- A guide to the book xii
-
Overview
- Place-based leadership and the inclusive city 3
-
Diagnosis: Understanding trends and challenges
- Global trends and our urban future 35
- The changing nature of public service reform 55
-
Concepts: Place, leadership, innovation and democratic governance
- Understanding place and public policy 79
- Place-based leadership 109
- Leading public service innovation 139
- Democratic urban governance 173
-
Experiences: Place-based leadership in action
- Leading the eco-city 207
- Creating people-friendly cities 237
- The diversity advantage 257
-
Lesson drawing: Insights and international learning
- From smart cities to wise cities 283
- International lesson drawing 309
- Notes 329
- Appendix International city networks and resources 347
- Acknowledgements 351
- References 353
- Index 381
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures vi
- List of innovation stories vii
- About the author viii
- Preface ix
- A guide to the book xii
-
Overview
- Place-based leadership and the inclusive city 3
-
Diagnosis: Understanding trends and challenges
- Global trends and our urban future 35
- The changing nature of public service reform 55
-
Concepts: Place, leadership, innovation and democratic governance
- Understanding place and public policy 79
- Place-based leadership 109
- Leading public service innovation 139
- Democratic urban governance 173
-
Experiences: Place-based leadership in action
- Leading the eco-city 207
- Creating people-friendly cities 237
- The diversity advantage 257
-
Lesson drawing: Insights and international learning
- From smart cities to wise cities 283
- International lesson drawing 309
- Notes 329
- Appendix International city networks and resources 347
- Acknowledgements 351
- References 353
- Index 381
