Nineteen Academics and public policy
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Daniel Cohn
Abstract
Academic researchers are important contributors to the public policy process in Canada and other countries. However, they generally do not contribute directly. First their work tends to pass through the hands others, sometimes called knowledge brokers, before it reaches those who actually make public policy. Secondly, although policy advisors and ultimate decision-makers tend to be aware of major schools of thought, they are less likely to be influenced by any specific single journal article or book. This chapter explores the process by which academic research finds its way into public-policy process and illustrates steps academic researchers can take to increase the chances their work will be taken account of in policy-making. The chapter ends with a word of caution about what can go wrong if academic researchers over-reach and try to influence the policy process without taking account of context.
Abstract
Academic researchers are important contributors to the public policy process in Canada and other countries. However, they generally do not contribute directly. First their work tends to pass through the hands others, sometimes called knowledge brokers, before it reaches those who actually make public policy. Secondly, although policy advisors and ultimate decision-makers tend to be aware of major schools of thought, they are less likely to be influenced by any specific single journal article or book. This chapter explores the process by which academic research finds its way into public-policy process and illustrates steps academic researchers can take to increase the chances their work will be taken account of in policy-making. The chapter ends with a word of caution about what can go wrong if academic researchers over-reach and try to influence the policy process without taking account of context.
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
