Practical Lessons from Policy Theories

“This outstanding book, written by leading researchers, closes the gap between research and practice with advice grounded in the best contemporary scholarship.” Thomas Birkland, North Carolina State University

“Complements existing books on public policy with fascinating observations of policy processes and practice-oriented lessons. An excellent read for students, practitioners and scholars by an impressive line-up of leading scholars in the field.” Florence Metz, University of Twente

“An outstanding group of scholars offers a very welcome and compelling attempt to clarify the practical meaning of policy theories and to facilitate the use of policy research in policy making.” Jale Tosun, Heidelberg University

Christopher M. Weible is Professor in the School of Public Affairs at the University of Colorado Denver.

Paul Cairney is Professor of Politics and Public Policy in the Division of History, Heritage and Politics at the University of Stirling.

Introduction: Practical lessons from policy theories ~ Christopher M Weible and Paul Cairney;

Three habits of successful policy entrepreneurs ~ Paul Cairney;

Narratives as tools for influencing policy change ~ Deserai Crow and Michael Jones;

Using cultural theory to navigate the policy process ~ Richard Simmons;

The lessons of policy learning: Types, triggers, hindrances and pathologies ~ Claire Dunlop and Claudio M Radaelli;

Practical prescriptions for governing fragmented governments ~ William L Swann and Seo Young Kim;

Building a Smarter Government: Practical Lessons for Policymakers from Punctuated Equilibrium Theory ~ Chris Koski and Samuel Workman;

Policy design and the added-value of the institutional analysis development framework ~ Tanya Heikkila and Krister Andersson;

Why advocacy coalitions matter and practical insights about them ~ Christopher M Weible and Karin Ingold.