Policy learning and policy change: exploring possibilities on the Advocacy Coalition Framework

Abstract

This article aims to advance the discussion about the influence of knowledge and policy learning on policy change, taking the Advocacy Coalition Framework as reference. We propose unlinking the comprehension of learning through change in two perspectives. First, we suggest apprehending the relation between knowledge and policy learning, through the use of knowledge, assuming that different forms of learning are possible, depending on the context of decision-making. Then, relying on the contributions of the theory of gradual institutional change, we suggest using the notion of institutional dynamics, in order to capture the explanatory power of knowledge and policy learning both in stasis and change situations. We aim to contribute to diminish the skepticism presented in the literature about the influence of knowledge and policy learning in the policy process.

Building a welfare system through bounded learning: A case of Korean long‐term care insurance

“…Because of this, studies on ACFs assume that policy learning can mostly lead to minor changes of institutions—changes in the level of policy instruments. On the other hand, they contend that major institutional changes are primarily driven by external events such as changes in government (Beverwijk et al, 2008, p. 362; Ma & Vieira, 2020, p. 1674). In contrast, this study focuses on policy learning from other countries.…”

Reinterpretaciones y transformaciones en la aplicación del programa Sembrando Vida en México desde la voz de los actores

“…Estos elementos son contrarios a la lógica productivista. El estudio de la transformación de los sistemas de conocimiento e innovación en la agricultura (Dinesh et al, 2021), así como la influencia de los procesos sociopolíticos y económicos que dan forma a la vida rural (Deutsch et al, 2021), han aportado conocimiento para combatir el escep-ticismo sobre la influencia del conocimiento y el aprendizaje en el proceso de las políticas públicas para las transformación de los sistemas alimentarios (Ma y Vieira, 2020).…”