Introduction

Policy analysis refers to studies for the policy process,not to the study of the policy process. It is concernedprimarily with the production of knowledge and policy alternatives forpolicy-making purposes. It aims to generate systematic and empirical studiesabout policy problems and discuss the possible course of action, consideringthe different views and ways of thinking in a society. Policy analysisinvolves the efforts of governmental actors, interest groups, politicalparties, international organisations, think tanks, research institutes, anduniversities to improve public policy outputs and procedures by applying‘systematic evaluative rationality’ (Howlett and Lindquist,2004: 225; Colebatch, 2006). In this sense, policy analysis providesanalytical support to governmental actors for structuring information,developing policy frameworks, and identifying alternatives forpolicy-makers, to solve social, economic, and political challenges theyface.

Policy analysis is a way to construct better policies. Yet, there is nounique way to define policy analysis. According to Colebatch (2006) thereare three main perspectives to examine policy analysis. First, the top-downapproach considers policy analysis an instrument through which policyadvisors ‘speak the truth’ to governmental actors (Wildavsky,1987; Sabatier, 1999). In this view, policymakers should use rigorousevidence instead of ideological common sense and/or short-term interests tomake decisions. The complexities and technicalities around policy areasoblige policy-makers to rely on the expertise of policy experts to makepolicy decisions. Policy-makers follow the advice of policy advisors andexperts who have a profound knowledge of the issues under dispute. Policyadvisors are considered rational actors with a scientific background thatcan provide neutral, non-ideological knowledge about issues.

No one denies the importance of quality scientific data and evidence-basedassessments to produce better policies. Policy-makers need empiricalresearch and objective criteria to respond to citizens’ preferencesand make successful policies. However, as the structured-interactionapproach and the social construction perspective emphasise, policy-making isnot only about applying technical and economic efficiency criteria orcollecting massive datasets on social and economic problems (Howlett andLindquist, 2004; Colebatch, 2006). It is also about responding tocitizens’ preferences and connecting policy decisions to existingvalues, principles, and ways of thinking in a society.