Introduction

Policy analysis refers to studies forthe policy process, not to the study of the policy process. It is concerned primarily withthe production of knowledge and policy alternatives forpolicy-making purposes. It aims to generate systematic and empiricalstudies about policy problems and discuss the possible course ofaction, considering the different views and ways of thinking in asociety. Policy analysis involves the efforts of governmentalactors, interest groups, political parties, internationalorganisations, think tanks, research institutes, and universities toimprove public policy outputs and procedures by applying ‘systematicevaluative rationality’ (Howlett and Lindquist, 2004: 225;Colebatch, 2006). In this sense, policy analysis provides analyticalsupport to governmental actors for structuring information,developing policy frameworks, and identifying alternatives forpolicy-makers, to solve social, economic, and political challengesthey face.

Policy analysis is a way to construct better policies. Yet, there isno unique way to define policy analysis. According to Colebatch(2006) there are three main perspectives to examine policy analysis.First, the top-down approach considers policy analysis an instrumentthrough which policy advisors ‘speak the truth’ to governmentalactors (Wildavsky, 1987; Sabatier, 1999). In this view, policymakersshould use rigorous evidence instead of ideological common senseand/or short-term interests to make decisions. The complexities andtechnicalities around policy areas oblige policy-makers to rely onthe expertise of policy experts to make policy decisions.Policy-makers follow the advice of policy advisors and experts whohave a profound knowledge of the issues under dispute. Policyadvisors are considered rational actors with a scientific backgroundthat can provide neutral, non-ideological knowledge aboutissues.

No one denies the importance of quality scientific data andevidence-based assessments to produce better policies. Policy-makersneed empirical research and objective criteria to respond tocitizens’ preferences and make successful policies. However, as thestructured-interaction approach and the social constructionperspective emphasise, policy-making is not only about applyingtechnical and economic efficiency criteria or collecting massivedatasets on social and economic problems (Howlett and Lindquist,2004; Colebatch, 2006). It is also about responding to citizens’preferences and connecting policy decisions to existing values,principles, and ways of thinking in a society.