Too much of a good thing? A systematic review about the conditions of learning in governance networks

Abstract

Learning is decisive for successful problem solving in governance networks: it is by acquiring, interpreting and diffusing information that public and private actors build joint action and innovative policy solutions. Yet, little is ORCID Cécile Riche

Policy learning as complex contagion: how social networks shape organizational beliefs in forest-based climate change mitigation

“…In the context of policy learning, this means that actors update their beliefs based on the beliefs that their contacts hold. Previous research has investigated factors such as trust and the role of central actors in facilitating policy learning (Riche et al, 2020). However, the way that the links between organizational actors contribute to the updating of policy beliefs has so far been overlooked.…”

“…Policy learning is an area of study that has received increasing attention in the public policy literature (Riche et al, 2020). Policy learning as the update of beliefs has been explored, for example, in the context of environmental policy (Gerlak et al, 2018;Wagner & Ylä-Anttila, 2018), collaborative governance (Leach et al, 2013), and the European Union (Zito & Schout, 2009).…”

“…Ideally, during the process of learning policy, the actors develop a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the issues involved (Leach et al, 2013). Although the importance of policy learning has generally been acknowledged, the evidence of the conditions that facilitate learning is scattered (Riche et al, 2020). Researchers have shown that the diversity of participants, their perceived trustworthiness, and the procedural fairness of governance contribute to policy learning (Leach et al, 2013).…”

“…Many theories employ concepts and ideas derived from network analysis where the focus is on how relationships between policy actors contribute to the policy process. It has been argued that networks may help actors in developing a common understanding of policy problems, and they may also support joint action (Riche et al, 2020). Newig et al (2010) proposed that network structures might affect policy learning, but the authors did not measure what the actual effects are.…”

Party Identification and Cultural Theory in Europe: Methodologically Advancing Comparative Studies of the Advocacy Coalition Framework

“…Since the late 1980s, the ACF has developed as one of the central perspectives on policy processes. Its original emphasis rests on the explanation of policy change in general (Han et al 2014;Pierce et al 2017), with a particular focus on policy learning both as outcome and as one possible necessary but not sufficient condition for policy change (Bandelow et al 2017;Moyson et al 2017;Riche et al 2020) and on the role of collective action in advocacy coalitions to effect policy change (Matti and Sandström 2013;Heikkila et al 2019). One of the core assumptions is the psychological foundation of belief systems, of which deep normative core beliefs are the most basic, universal beliefs coined by individual socialization and independent of a policy subsystem.…”