Combining research methods in policy and governance: taking account of bricolage and discerning limits of modelling and simulation. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van Assche, Kristof; Verschraegen, Gert; Beunen, Raoul; Gruezmacher, Monica; Duineveld, Martijn
• Is Part Of: Futures. Volume 145(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Governance -- Bricolage -- Knowledge -- Research methods; Economic forecasting -- Periodicals; Technological forecasting -- Periodicals; Economic policy -- Periodicals; Prévision économique -- Périodiques; Prévision technologique -- Périodiques; Politique économique -- Périodiques; Economic forecasting; Economic policy; Technological forecasting; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 330.0112
• DOI: 10.1016/j.futures.2022.103074
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-3287

Abstract

Abstract: We present a perspective on combining research methods in policy and governance which starts from an understanding of governance as the result of a double bricolage: an organizational or institutional bricolage, and a bricolage of knowledges and associated methods. We develop a typology of common ways to combine methods in governance, distinguishing between nesting, framing, mixing, specifying, and specializing, where not all methods can be combined at all times and sometimes different modes of combining methods can coexist. We reflect on the possibilities and limits of combination and give the concepts of boundaries and couplings central place in this reflection. The perspective clarifies the attractiveness of integrated systems of quantitative methods purporting to enable simulation and steering, while highlighting a new set of risks and boundaries for such approaches. Highlights: We analyze combinations of research methods in policy and governance. Governance is understood as bricolage of institutions and knowledges. Modes of combining methods are distinguished. Integrated modeling and simulation encounter new obstacles.