Practical Lessons from Policy Theories

First published as a special issue of Policy & Politics, this critical and practical volume challenges policy theory scholars to change the way they produce and communicate research.

Leading academics propose eight ways to synthesise and translate state of the art knowledge to equip scholars to communicate their insights with each other and a wider audience. Chapters consider topics such as narratives as tools for influencing policy change, essential habits of successful policy entrepreneurs, and applying cultural theory to navigate the policy process.

Providing theoretical clarity and accumulated knowledge, this text highlights the vital importance of translating policy research in practical and understandable ways.

The articles on which Chapters 2, 3 and 5 are based are available Open Access under CC-BY-NC licence.

Claire A. Dunlop is Professor of Politics and Public Policy in the Politics Department at the University of Exeter.

Christopher M. Weible is Professor at the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs, CO, USA.

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