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Policy experimentation and policy learning in Canadian cultural policy

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  • Kate Mattocks

    (University of East Anglia)

Abstract

This article examines policy experimentation in the context of policy learning in Canadian cultural policy. Despite the attraction of experimentation to encourage learning and thus improved policy outcomes, much of the literature on experimentation does not give sufficient attention to how it is operationalized in practice. Drawing from a novel dataset based on interviews with key actors, this article focuses on how the governance of experimentation impacts learning resulting from experimentation. Findings ultimately demonstrate that while learning occurred, it was constrained overall by a hierarchical, top-down approach to experimentation. Lessons from this case study can therefore be useful for both policy scholars and public administrations embarking on experimentation or other types of public sector innovation in Canada and beyond.

Suggested Citation

  • Kate Mattocks, 2021. "Policy experimentation and policy learning in Canadian cultural policy," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 54(4), pages 891-909, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:policy:v:54:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s11077-021-09433-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s11077-021-09433-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Newig, Jens & Kochskämper, Elisa & Challies, Edward & Jager, Nicolas W., 2016. "Exploring governance learning: How policymakers draw on evidence, experience and intuition in designing participatory flood risk planning," Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier, vol. 55(P2), pages 353-360.
    2. van Doren, Didi & Driessen, Peter P.J. & Runhaar, Hens A.C. & Giezen, Mendel, 2020. "Learning within local government to promote the scaling-up of low-carbon initiatives: A case study in the City of Copenhagen," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 136(C).
    3. Jeroen Heijden, 2014. "Experimentation in policy design: insights from the building sector," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 47(3), pages 249-266, September.
    4. Ansell, Christopher K. & Bartenberger, Martin, 2016. "Varieties of experimentalism," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 64-73.
    5. Eva Heiskanen & Kaarina Hyvönen & Senja Laakso & Päivi Laitila & Kaisa Matschoss & Irmeli Mikkonen, 2017. "Adoption and Use of Low-Carbon Technologies: Lessons from 100 Finnish Pilot Studies, Field Experiments and Demonstrations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(5), pages 1-20, May.
    6. Dave Huitema & Andrew Jordan & Stefania Munaretto & Mikael Hildén, 2018. "Policy experimentation: core concepts, political dynamics, governance and impacts," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 51(2), pages 143-159, June.
    7. Sanders, Anna J.P. & Ford, Rebecca M. & Keenan, Rodney J. & Larson, Anne M., 2020. "Learning through practice? Learning from the REDD+ demonstration project, Kalimantan Forests and Climate Partnership (KFCP) in Indonesia," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    8. Nicolas Rocle & Denis Salles, 2018. "“Pioneers but not guinea pigs”: experimenting with climate change adaptation in French coastal areas," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 51(2), pages 231-247, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Alex Jingwei He & Yumeng Fan & Rui Su, 2022. "Seeking policy solutions in a complex system: experimentalist governance in China’s healthcare reform," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 55(4), pages 755-776, December.

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