Steering, Knowledge and the Challenge of Governance Evaluation: The Case of National Health Service Governance and Reform in England

Abstract

Drawing from “robust political economy” (RPE) literature, we address evaluative questions concerning governance effectiveness in the face of complex, cross-cutting problems. Central to RPE is the challenge of coordination, with its fundamental epistemological dimension requiring close attention to stakeholder knowledge about policy impacts. This focus contrasts with process-orientated analysis predominant in political science and public administration and enables holistic governance evaluation that draws from various, often demarcated, research fields. This is demonstrated through a focus on the evolution of health governance in England, particularly how diabetes services in England were affected by the 2012 Health and Social Care Act.