A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

The Role of Scientific Knowledge in Dealing with Complex Policy Problems under Conditions of Uncertainty




AuthorsYlöstalo Hanna

PublisherPolicy Press

Publication year2019

JournalPolicy and Politics

Volume48

Issue2

First page 259

Last page276

Number of pages18

ISSN0305-5736

eISSN1470-8442

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1332/030557319X15707904457648(external)

Web address https://www.ingentaconnect.com/search/article?option1=tka&value1=The+Role+of+Scientific+Knowledge+in+Dealing&pageSize=10&index=1(external)


Abstract

This article concerns the recent shifts and tensions in the role of scientific knowledge in policymaking. Policy practitioners are striving to solve a compelling problem: how to deal with complex problems under conditions of uncertainty. This article focuses on two policy reforms in Finland that have been designed to address these issues: strategic governance reform and the take up of a culture of experimentation. It suggests that the knowledge-policy relations within these reforms are characterised by profound tensions between ‘good governance’ and ‘good knowledge’. Whereas good governance demands that knowledge is controlled, good knowledge entails uncertain and uncontrollable elements.


Downloadable publication

This is an electronic reprint of the original article.
This reprint may differ from the original in pagination and typographic detail. Please cite the original version.





Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 19:58