Policy Networks and Policy Change : Putting Policy Network Theory to the Test PDF

This innovative study sheds new light on the future of public policy by using policy network theory to work out the implications for public policy of major technological, ecomomic, environmental and social trends, then testing these propositions against the available evidence.

The trends analysed include the increasing sophistication of technology, the growth and diversification of production and consumption, the shift to services, the growth of women's employment, our increasing use of energy, the continuing growth in mobility, climate change, economic globalization, secularization, population ageing, the expansion of education, and sexual liberalization.

Among the findings are that we should expect more business-friendly and more employment-friendly policies; more intrusive, technological and internationalized law enforcement and security policies; more women-friendly policies; more liberal social policies; stronger climate policies; and more vigorous policies to counteract the negative effects of technological innovation and economic internationalization.