Technocracy and the policy process

This chapter aims to examine the perspective of comparative politics the lens of comparative public policy or policy analysis. It presents differences and opportunities to develop connections between comparative politics and comparative public policy. The chapter introduces the public policy “take” on technocracy by distinguishing between two modes: technocracy as comparative political scientists understand it, and epistemic learning as the pre-eminent public policy frame. Grounding policy choice in expertise, technical knowledge, policy instruments based on rational calculation, and scientific modes of thinking is not the only way in which societies produce learning for public policy. Policy processes in the stage of rule enforcement can be considered manifestations of learning in hierarchies. Flourishing in competitive worlds requires not only a willingness to come down from the sidelines and advocate policy positions, but also to act politically by joining advocacy coalitions. Experts and policy processes grounded in technical, professional and scientific knowledge have a role to play in government.