The roundtable discussions will explore key dimensions of public policy analysis, its role within the broader social sciences, its impact on policymaking, and its engagement with society.
In recent years, the presence of early-career researchers in public administration and public policy has grown significantly. Recognising the need for a dedicated space for networking, research collaboration, and critical discussion, this initiative brings together PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers to engage with the evolving challenges of the discipline. A key focus will be thematic roundtables exploring the role and impact of policy scholars. Discussions will address fundamental questions: What is the purpose of policy research? How does it shape social sciences, policymaking, and society? What constitutes its essential methodological toolbox? By reflecting on these issues, early-career researchers may contribute to both understanding the current state of the field and to shaping its future trajectory.
A first roundtable, Policy Science for Science, will critically reflect on the place of public policy within political and social sciences. What distinguishes policy scholars from other social scientists, particularly political scientists? Is public policy merely a subfield of political science, or does it offer unique insights? What synergies exist with other disciplines, and what specific contributions can policy science make?
The second roundtable, Policy Science for Policy, will examine the discipline’s influence on policymaking. How does public policy research translate into practice? Who are the primary interlocutors of policy scholars? Can theoretical knowledge be converted into more effective public policies, and if so, how? Or are policy scholars merely another group of advisors to political leaders?
The discussion will then turn to the third roundtable, Policy Science for Democracy, exploring ways to bridge the gap between academia and society. Who constitutes the public for public policy and public administration? Can citizens, civil society groups, and institutions find value in policy research? How can policy scientists engage with these audiences? Are economists and sociologists the only ones adept at public dissemination, or can public policy also play a role? This discussion will also consider the peculiarities of the Italian context and how public policy engagement operates in other countries.
Moving to the roundtable, Policy Science, How?, we will focus on the evolving theories, analytical frameworks, and methodologies in public policy research. Participants will discuss emerging approaches, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and consider how to interpret their findings effectively.
Finally, Policy Science - European Style will reflect on the distinctiveness of the European tradition in public policy and public administration. How can European perspectives be integrated into contemporary debates? Should theoretical and analytical frameworks developed elsewhere be applied as they are, or do they require adaptation to the European context? Can dominant theories of policy processes be "Europeanised," and what unique characteristics define European public policy research?
All in all, these discussions will provide a comprehensive exploration of the discipline’s identity, impact, and future directions, fostering a deeper understanding of policy science within and beyond academia.