Two Policy analysis in practice: reinterpreting the quest for evidence-based policy
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Mark van Twist
Abstract
These days ‘evidence based policy’ is a popular concept to stress the importance of strengthening the relation between policy analysis and policy practice. In this chapter the authors will argue that a practice based, deliberative interpretation of the ‘evidence based policy’-concept is needed, characterized by an emphasis on ongoing interaction and ‘fluidity’ and ‘fluency’ in the connections between policy analysis and policy practice. Brokerage is crucial to succeed in creating this ‘fluidity’ and ‘fluency’. That is why an attempt is made to formulate design principles for effective brokerage.
Abstract
These days ‘evidence based policy’ is a popular concept to stress the importance of strengthening the relation between policy analysis and policy practice. In this chapter the authors will argue that a practice based, deliberative interpretation of the ‘evidence based policy’-concept is needed, characterized by an emphasis on ongoing interaction and ‘fluidity’ and ‘fluency’ in the connections between policy analysis and policy practice. Brokerage is crucial to succeed in creating this ‘fluidity’ and ‘fluency’. That is why an attempt is made to formulate design principles for effective brokerage.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures and tables ix
- List of acronyms x
- Notes on contributors xiv
- Editors’ introduction to the series xx
- Preface and acknowledgements xxii
- Policy analysis in the Netherlands: an introduction 1
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Styles and modes of policy analysis
- Policy analysis in practice: reinterpreting the quest for evidence-based policy 17
- Policy analysis in networks: the battle of analysis and the potentials of joint fact-finding 33
- Patterns of science–policy interaction 49
- Interpretive policy analysis in the Netherlands 69
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Policy analysis in government
- Policy analysis and evaluation in national government 89
- Policy analysis at the local government level 107
- Policy analysis and performance audit at the ‘highest level’: looking for evidence and responsiveness 121
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Advisory bodies, consultancy firms, research institutes and think tanks
- Advisory boards and planning bureaus 139
- The Dutch policy research industry 155
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Policy analysis in politics and by interest groups in society
- Policy analysis in the Dutch Parliament 171
- Policy analysis and political party think tanks 187
- Policy analysis by negotiation: trade unions, employers’ organisations and the Social and Economic Council 203
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Policy analysis in the academic world
- Policy analysis as instruction 217
- Contested knowledge in theory-driven policy analysis: setting the Dutch stage 231
- Institutionalisation and performance of policy analysis and evaluation in the Netherlands 247
- Index 255
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures and tables ix
- List of acronyms x
- Notes on contributors xiv
- Editors’ introduction to the series xx
- Preface and acknowledgements xxii
- Policy analysis in the Netherlands: an introduction 1
-
Styles and modes of policy analysis
- Policy analysis in practice: reinterpreting the quest for evidence-based policy 17
- Policy analysis in networks: the battle of analysis and the potentials of joint fact-finding 33
- Patterns of science–policy interaction 49
- Interpretive policy analysis in the Netherlands 69
-
Policy analysis in government
- Policy analysis and evaluation in national government 89
- Policy analysis at the local government level 107
- Policy analysis and performance audit at the ‘highest level’: looking for evidence and responsiveness 121
-
Advisory bodies, consultancy firms, research institutes and think tanks
- Advisory boards and planning bureaus 139
- The Dutch policy research industry 155
-
Policy analysis in politics and by interest groups in society
- Policy analysis in the Dutch Parliament 171
- Policy analysis and political party think tanks 187
- Policy analysis by negotiation: trade unions, employers’ organisations and the Social and Economic Council 203
-
Policy analysis in the academic world
- Policy analysis as instruction 217
- Contested knowledge in theory-driven policy analysis: setting the Dutch stage 231
- Institutionalisation and performance of policy analysis and evaluation in the Netherlands 247
- Index 255
