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Getting from Economic Analysis to Policy Advice

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  • James T. Bonnen
  • David B. Schweikhardt

Abstract

Economists play several distinct but necessary roles in the process of translating economic knowledge from the discipline to use in policy decisions. Economists engaged in disciplinary research might legitimately deal with more simplified abstractions of economic problems in conducting their research, whereas those engaged in providing policy analysis and advice to policy makers might face different constraints on the types of analysis that can be used by policy makers. In the role of policy analyst or adviser, economists face a number of challenges and risks. Those preparing to engage in such roles should understand (a) the constraints that will be faced in using and communicating economic analysis to policy makers, (b) the limitations of economic theory in addressing policy issues faced by decision makers, and (c) the risks inherent in participating in the policy-making process. The economist entering the policy process must be prepared to present economic advice in a manner that is easily understood and communicated and be prepared to address dimensions of policy problems that might not comply with the standard assumptions of neoclassical theory. The policy adviser must also be prepared to deal with databases that are often inadequate for decision-making purposes, time constraints that preclude the completion of a thorough analysis, value dimensions of policy issues that might overrule the results of economic analysis, and the fundamentally different roles of the policy maker and the economic adviser in the decision-making process.

Suggested Citation

  • James T. Bonnen & David B. Schweikhardt, 1998. "Getting from Economic Analysis to Policy Advice," Review of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 20(2), pages 584-600.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:revage:v:20:y:1998:i:2:p:584-600.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bryden, John Marshall & Mittenzwei, Klaus, 2010. "The Role And Importance Of Academic Freedom In The Policy Process," 50th Annual Conference, Braunschweig, Germany, September 29-October 1, 2010 93945, German Association of Agricultural Economists (GEWISOLA).
    2. Nanang, David M. & Ghebremichael, Asghedom, 2006. "Inter-regional comparisons of production technology in Canada's timber harvesting industries," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 8(8), pages 797-810, November.
    3. John Davis, 2018. "Communicating Economic Concepts and Research in a Challenging Environment," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 69(3), pages 591-605, September.
    4. Balmann, Alfons & Happe, Kathrin, 2001. "Agentenbasierte Politik- und Sektoranalyse - Perspektiven und Herausforderungen," German Journal of Agricultural Economics, Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin, Department for Agricultural Economics, vol. 50(08), pages 1-12.
    5. Happe, Kathrin & Balmann, Alfons, 2008. "Doing Policy In The Lab! Options For The Future Use Of Model-Based Policy Analysis For Complex Decision-Making," 107th Seminar, January 30-February 1, 2008, Sevilla, Spain 6588, European Association of Agricultural Economists.
    6. Babu, Suresh Chandra., 2000. "Impact of IFPRI's policy research on resource allocation and food security in Bangladesh," Impact assessments 13, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    7. Bryden, J. & Mittenzwei, K., 2011. "The role and importance of academic freedom in the policy progress," Proceedings “Schriften der Gesellschaft für Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaften des Landbaues e.V.”, German Association of Agricultural Economists (GEWISOLA), vol. 46, March.
    8. Happe, Kathrin & Kellermann, Konrad & Balmann, Alfons, 2006. "Agent-based analysis of agricultural policies: An illustration of the agricultural policy simulator AgriPoliS, its adaptation and behavior," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 11(1).

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