Title: Perspectives on policy analyses: a framework for understanding and design

Authors: Igor S. Mayer, C. Els van Daalen, Pieter W.G. Bots

Addresses: Technology Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, PO Box 5015, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands. ' Technology Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, PO Box 5015, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands. ' Technology Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, PO Box 5015, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands

Abstract: Policy analysis is a broad and versatile field of applied policy research and advice, where a multitude of perspectives and methods have developed. In this paper, we attempt to (re)structure the discipline in a single conceptual model. The model was derived on the basis of a review of relevant literature on policy analysis styles and a review of about 20 exemplary cases in the field of technology, policy and management. The model serves three purposes: understanding of policy analysis as a discipline, contribution to the design of new policy analysis methods and projects, and guidance for evaluating such methods and projects. The model identifies six activities and translates these into six underlying policy analytic styles. Each style implies different values, and calls for different criteria when it comes to evaluation. An important claim of the model is that, in practice, policy analysis consists of creatively combining these activities and styles.

Keywords: applied research; policy analysis; policy design; policy evaluation; policy research; methodology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2004.004819

International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management, 2004 Vol.4 No.2, pp.169 - 191

Published online: 07 Jul 2004 *

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