The structure-in-evolution approach: a unified view of evolutionary change in policy systems. (3rd September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bubak, Oldrich
• Is Part Of: Policy studies. Volume 43:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 1055
• Page End: 1074
• Publication Date: 2022-09-03
• Subjects: Policy change -- evolutionary policy -- complex systems -- complexity policy -- TRIZ; Policy sciences -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Economic policy -- Decision making -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1945- -- Decision making -- Periodicals; 320.605
• DOI: 10.1080/01442872.2021.1908534
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-2872

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Scholars across the social sciences, including in the studies of institutions and policy, have found useful various elements of evolutionary and complexity research. Though sharing the same worldview, these streams of research emphasize different aspects of change and lack a shared set of assumptions and tools. As a result, they remain largely disconnected. Inspired by innovation research and its novel theory of change in technological systems, this article aims to bridge these gaps and advance a unified view of policy change called the structure-in-evolution approach. The structure-in-evolution analysis accounts for both the dynamics and the structure of change by positing that policy systems, like other technological systems, evolve according to distinct patterns and exhibit complex and adaptive properties of such systems. This approach, the article argues, thus promises not only to integrate our understanding of evolutionary change but also a major leap forward in our ability to study and develop public policy.