Advancing Frontiers in Policy Process Research: Integrating Theory and Empirical Inquiry

The successful and well-attended ECPR Sections in Prague (2016) and Oslo (2017) showed vitality and rapid development of research on the policy process but also the importance of solid integration of theoretical conceptualizations and their rigorous testing. Advances in policy process research are based on thoughtful considerations on how to progressively modify theoretical propositions and how to appropriately test them in an empirical inquiry. It is important to offer a platform for critical and ongoing dialogue among peers and for sharing examples of good practice. Thus, the Section provides a forum for scholars working with various policy process frameworks (Multiple Streams, Advocacy Coalitions, Institutional Analysis and Development, Narrative Policy, Social Construction, Punctuated Equilibrium, or others) to share their experience with advancing the frameworks and integrating theoretical improvement and empirical application. The Section has the following objectives: Provide an opportunity for meeting scholars from different generations sharing common interests in the policy process. Develop networks and communities around and across particular policy process frameworks. Encourage dialogue among different theoretical orientations concerning the policy process. Solicit contributions that conceptualize overlapping and complementary aspects to promote the generation of new research agendas.