Eighteen From policy analysis to policy analytics
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Justin Longo
Abstract
Policy analysis relies on data collected at discrete intervals along the policy cycle, from problem identification through evaluation. Policy analytics, in contrast, represents the combination of new, ubiquitous, and continuous data sources—from Internet search and social media to mobile smartphones, Internet of Everything (IoE) devices, and electronic transaction cards—with new data analytics techniques for informing and directing policy choices. New technology platforms also offer the possibility of small-scale policy experiments that can be piloted with their effects precisely observed in real-time. This big data + analytics + real-time experiments approach offers a significant change to the traditional practice of policy analysis. This chapter describes the movement from policy analysis to policy analytics, discusses emergent examples and potential applications, and concludes with questions that can guide the appropriate adoption of policy analytics for supporting policymaking.
Abstract
Policy analysis relies on data collected at discrete intervals along the policy cycle, from problem identification through evaluation. Policy analytics, in contrast, represents the combination of new, ubiquitous, and continuous data sources—from Internet search and social media to mobile smartphones, Internet of Everything (IoE) devices, and electronic transaction cards—with new data analytics techniques for informing and directing policy choices. New technology platforms also offer the possibility of small-scale policy experiments that can be piloted with their effects precisely observed in real-time. This big data + analytics + real-time experiments approach offers a significant change to the traditional practice of policy analysis. This chapter describes the movement from policy analysis to policy analytics, discusses emergent examples and potential applications, and concludes with questions that can guide the appropriate adoption of policy analytics for supporting policymaking.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures and tables vii
- Notes on contributors ix
- Editors’ introduction to the series xv
- Policy analysis in Canada: an introduction 1
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The profession of policy analysis in Canada
- The policy analysis profession in Canada 27
- The “lumpiness” thesis revisited: the venues of policy work and the distribution of analytical techniques in Canada 49
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Policy analysis at different levels of Canadian governments
- Policy analysis in the federal government: conditions and renewal initiatives in the Trudeau era 71
- Public policy in the provinces: more powering; less puzzling 99
- Policy analysis in local government 121
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Policy analysis in the executive and legislative branches of Canadian government
- Policy analysis and the central executive 147
- Policy capacity and recruiting expertise in public services: acquiring talent in evolving governance environments 165
- The diminished invisible private service: consultants and public policy in Canada 187
- Canadian legislatures, public policy and policy analysis 211
- Commissions of inquiry and policy analysis 233
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Policy analysis outside government: parties, interest groups and the media
- The policy capacity of political parties in Canada 257
- Any better ideas? Think tanks and policy analysis in Canada 275
- Policy analytical capacity and Canadian business associations 297
- Transforming governance patterns: challenges and opportunities for voluntary sector policy capacity 317
- Policy analysis and advocacy in the Canadian labour movement: when the force of argument is not enough 331
- Media and public policy 351
- From policy analysis to policy analytics 369
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Pedagogy and policy analysis in the Canadian university system
- Academics and public policy 395
- Public policy studies in North America and Europe 421
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Conclusion
- Trends and directions in Canadian policy analysis and policy advice 449
- Index 467
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures and tables vii
- Notes on contributors ix
- Editors’ introduction to the series xv
- Policy analysis in Canada: an introduction 1
-
The profession of policy analysis in Canada
- The policy analysis profession in Canada 27
- The “lumpiness” thesis revisited: the venues of policy work and the distribution of analytical techniques in Canada 49
-
Policy analysis at different levels of Canadian governments
- Policy analysis in the federal government: conditions and renewal initiatives in the Trudeau era 71
- Public policy in the provinces: more powering; less puzzling 99
- Policy analysis in local government 121
-
Policy analysis in the executive and legislative branches of Canadian government
- Policy analysis and the central executive 147
- Policy capacity and recruiting expertise in public services: acquiring talent in evolving governance environments 165
- The diminished invisible private service: consultants and public policy in Canada 187
- Canadian legislatures, public policy and policy analysis 211
- Commissions of inquiry and policy analysis 233
-
Policy analysis outside government: parties, interest groups and the media
- The policy capacity of political parties in Canada 257
- Any better ideas? Think tanks and policy analysis in Canada 275
- Policy analytical capacity and Canadian business associations 297
- Transforming governance patterns: challenges and opportunities for voluntary sector policy capacity 317
- Policy analysis and advocacy in the Canadian labour movement: when the force of argument is not enough 331
- Media and public policy 351
- From policy analysis to policy analytics 369
-
Pedagogy and policy analysis in the Canadian university system
- Academics and public policy 395
- Public policy studies in North America and Europe 421
-
Conclusion
- Trends and directions in Canadian policy analysis and policy advice 449
- Index 467
