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What is Lesson-Drawing?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 November 2008

Richard Rose
Richard Rose
Affiliation:
Public Policy, University of Strathclyde*
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Abstract

Lesson-drawing addresses the question: Under what circumstances and to what extent can a programme that is effective in one place transfer to another. Searching for fresh knowledge is not normal; the second section describes the stimulus to search as dissatisfaction with the status quo. Lessons can be sought by searching across time and/or across space; the choice depends upon a subjective definition of proximity, epistemic communities linking experts together, functional interdependence between governments, and the authority of intergovernmental institutions. The process of lesson-drawing starts with scanning programmes in effect elsewhere, and ends with the prospective evaluation of what would happen if a programme already in effect elsewhere were transferred here in future. Lesson-drwaing is part of a contested political process; there is no assurance that a lesson drawn will be both desirable and practical. The conclusion considers the uncertainty and instability of judgements about the practicality and desirability of transferring programmes.

Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Public Policy , Volume 11 , Issue 1 , January 1991 , pp. 3 - 30
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

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