N&C_pre-print_2014.pdf (329.38 kB)
Can indicators fill the gap between science and policy? An exploration of the (non) use and (non) influence of indicators in EU and UK policymaking
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 18:46 authored by Léa Sébastien, Tom Bauler, Markku LehtonenThis article examines the various roles that indicators, as boundary objects, can play as a science-based evidence for policy processes. It presents two case studies from the EU-funded POINT project that examined the use and influence of two highly different types of indicators: composite indicators of sustainable development at the EU level and energy indicators in the UK. In both cases indicators failed as direct input to policy making, yet they generated various types of conceptual and political use and influence. The composite sustainable development indicators served as “framework indicators”, helping to advocate a specific vision of sustainable development, whereas the energy indicators produced various types of indirect influence, including through the process of indicator elaboration. Our case studies demonstrate the relatively limited importance of the characteristics and quality of indicators in determining the role of indicators, as compared with the crucial importance of “user factors” (characteristics of policy actors) and “policy factors” (policy context).
Funding
POINT: Policy Influence of Indicators; G0472; EUROPEAN UNION; SSHCT2008217207
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Nature and CultureISSN
1558-6073Publisher
Berghahn JournalsExternal DOI
Issue
3Volume
9Page range
316-343Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2014-11-06First Open Access (FOA) Date
2014-11-06First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2014-10-21Usage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedLicence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC