Networks and problem recognition: advancing the Multiple Streams Approach

Abstract

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De-democratising the Irish planning system

“…Thus, in an MSF informed analytical approach, what is important to examine is: (1) how this is done; (2) who is doing it; and (3) why they are doing it. In this context, recent scholarship in this area suggests the centrality of framing in profiling the 'interpretive perceptual element' that gives definition to problems and their solutions (Knaggård, 2015, Reardon, 2018. Indeed, Zahariadis (2008) has demonstrated how framing can be employed as a powerful tool wielded by entrepreneurs in coupling the problem, policy and politics streams through presenting 'particular dimensions of a problem to fit the solution in language that appeals to different policy makers'.…”

Coping with strategic ambiguity in planning sustainable road development: balancing economic and environmental interests in two highway projects in Indonesia

“…Third, unrelated arenas of decision-making influence how expected outcomes are defined (Van Bueren et al 2003;Van Bueren and Ten Heuvelhof 2005). Moreover, some influential actors may actively drive the result (Reardon 2018). This institutional complexity requires the stakeholders to reduce gaps in the governance context and the available policy instruments in defining problems and accepting solutions (Howlett 2009).…”

“…Mobilization of policy networks and the coupling of streams by the project manager Both cases illustrate that policy networks can have a vital role to open the sustainability windows. These networks allow appreciation of each other's interests and collaboration in the seeking of appropriate solutions (Reardon 2018). In the Bali Mandara Highway case, the interaction of the project consortium and the religious leaders reduced social tensions with the communities with interests of protecting their cultural sites.…”

Straddling multiple streams: focusing events, policy entrepreneurs and problem brokers in the governance of English fire and rescue services

“…Since Kingdon's book was published, subsequent adaptations have refined his theory (Zahariadis 2014;Cairney 2018), but its fundamental principles remain unchanged. Indeed, some have pointed out that the MSA's powerful explanatory potential may have resulted in scholars focusing too much on applying it to empirical cases rather than developing the framework further (Zohlnhöfer, Herweg, and Rüb 2015;Cairney and Jones 2016;Herweg, Zahariadis, and Zohlnhöfer 2018;Reardon 2018;Van der Heijden et al 2019). Ackrill and Kay (2011) introduced a notable insight when they stressed that although the three streams may be analytically separate, this does not mean that actors are only ever involved in one of them.…”

“…Change may also be more likely in cases where policy "windows" are open in both the problem and political streams (because this suggests there is agreement over the existence of a problem and also the political will to try and address it in some way). To bring this situation about, policy entrepreneurs might try to construct or exaggerate an issue or "condition" to convince others that it represents a genuine problem that they need to address (Knaggård 2015;Cairney 2018;Herweg, Zahariadis, and Zohlnhöfer 2018;Reardon 2018). This could make it easier to couple the streams, open two windows simultaneously and increase their chances of effecting change.…”