Policy design and the added-value of the institutional analysis development framework

Abstract

Research that employs the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework offers a theoretically rich approach for diagnosing and assessing public policies. However, the complexity of the framework, and its related theories, can challenge researchers interested in its application. This article offers a novel synthesis of the IAD literature and recommendations for how scholars can use the IAD to enhance the practical relevance of policy design research. In presenting these insights, we focus on three general themes including the IAD’s emphasis on self-governance, the core concepts and diagnostic approach of the IAD framework, and lessons from IAD research on contextually-specific institutional design. We conclude with a discussion of the boundaries of the IAD framework and words of caution when drawing lessons about policy design.