Policy Analysis Research Articles

About the need for a Swiss digital health ‘Sistine Chapel’ – lessons from 25 years of health policy

Abstract Background The Swiss government’s ‘DigiSanté’ program 2025-2034 aims to address Switzerland’s delay in digitising its healthcare system. Public and professionals’ trust is central for the implementation of digital health initiatives and partially based on past experiences with the digital health system. To inform DigiSanté, it is crucial to analyse the evolution of the socio-political discourse surrounding health data sharing in Switzerland in the past 25 years to identify the main obstacles encountered and lessons learned during this period. Methods We designed a multi-method study comprising a policy analysis of 65 Swiss policies on health data sharing from 1998 to 2023; scoping review of 250 editorials; sentiment analysis of 400 news articles from six major Swiss newspapers; and thematic analysis of transcripts from 11 online interviews with key stakeholders. Results We identified 32 key policy milestones in Swiss health data sharing, with the COVID-19 pandemic emerging as a trigger for present policymakers’ awareness of health data’s potential and the need for healthcare system digitization. The troubled implementation of the Electronic Patient Dossier (EPD) and its negative narrative are identified as more central in eroding long-term public trust than scandals. Primary obstacles to implementation of the EPD include misaligned stakeholders’ interests, slow policy processes, lack of professional support, low public awareness, and technical interoperability issues. Future strategies involve increasing actors’ involvement to establish a common vision and strategy and improving public communication. Conclusions The present socio-political discourse on health data sharing in Switzerland is shaped by past negative experiences with the EPD, compounded by additional scandals. To cultivate public trust, stakeholders should collaborate to align interests and ensure all parties work cooperatively toward common goals. Key messages • National and international scandals marginally affect public trust compared to the impact of the negative narrative surrounding the slow EPD implementation. • Misalignment of stakeholder interests is the main barrier to implementing health data sharing initiatives, causing delays and trust erosion.

An overview and comparison of approaches used for health policy analysis: What to use and when?

Abstract Background Public health challenges are complex and analyzing them requires advanced approaches such as, societal cost-benefit analysis (SCBA), health impact assessment (HIA), and strategic foresight. Analyzing health policy is a multifaceted process, and depends on, among others, the scope, approach, and policy goals. Given this complex and multifaceted nature, it is not always clear which approach to use, and how the approaches can complement each other. Therefore, health policy analysis could benefit from practical and explicit guidance regarding clear identification of cases and types of analysis. Hence in this paper we aim to develop a framework that can provide this guidance. Methods In this paper we describe the differences and similarities of three distinct health policy assessment approaches, SCBA (an economic evaluation approach that takes into account the impact on society as a whole), HIA (is a combination of tools that focus on evaluating the potential health effects of a given policy) and strategic foresight (a systematic and participatory approach used to anticipate and plan for future trends and uncertainties that may impact policy), their application, and how they can complement each other within the field of public health. A framework that can be used when deciding which health policy approach to use for a given case will be developed, based on existing literature, frameworks, and a case study. Discussion This paper contributes to knowledge on health policy analysis and towards efficiency and clarity in analyses conducted in this field. Key messages • There is little guidance regarding how to conduct health policy analysis. • Clear guidance on which approaches to use and how they complement each other will contribute towards efficiency and clarity in health policy analysis.

The lived experiences of the welfare state of platform workers: The barriers to accessing social protection in Italy, Sweden and the United Kingdom

AbstractThe recent literature on platform work and the welfare state has stressed that, despite being affected by high‐income insecurity, platform workers cannot easily access social protection. However, it is unclear why platform workers encounter such barriers. This article offers an inductive and empirically based theoretical framework to investigate the obstacles faced by platform workers. It shows that the barriers experienced by platform workers depend on the eligibility criteria, the assessment criteria and the trade‐off between taxation and social protection. The article substantiates these claims by offering both a policy analysis of formal arrangements and a qualitative analysis of the lived experiences of welfare of 101 platform workers in Italy, Sweden and the UK during COVID‐19. The research found that, while many platform workers attempted to access social protection during COVID‐19, platform workers' access to social protection was affected by their positionality as outsiders, which clashes with the eligibility criteria (in Sweden and Italy); by the irregular nature of platform work, which contrasts with the rigidity of the assessment criteria (in the UK, Italy and Sweden); and by the implicit trade‐off experienced by platform workers between minimising taxation and accessing to social protection (in the UK and Italy).

Evaluation of Managerial Economics Applications Strategy using the SPSS Method

Managerial Economics is an economy branch is, this economic theory and size using methods solve real-world managerial problems. It helps businesses and organizations make informed decisions by using economic analysis. Here are some common applications of managerial economics: Demand Analysis and Forecasting: Businesses use managerial economics to understand consumer behavior and forecast future demand for their products or services. This involves studying factors that affect demand, such as price, income levels, and consumer preferences. Production and Cost Analysis: Managerial economics helps businesses optimize production processes and minimize costs. It involves analyzing production functions, cost structures, and economies of scale to determine the most efficient way to produce goods or services. Pricing Strategies: A product or the right price for the service It is up to a company to decide Crucial to profitability. Managerial economics helps businesses set prices by considering factors like production costs, competition, and consumer willingness to pay. Market Structure Analysis: Understanding the type of market, a company operates in (e.g., perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly) is essential for making strategic decisions. Managerial economics helps analyses market structures and determine appropriate strategies for each. Risk and Uncertainty Analysis: Businesses often face uncertainty in various aspects, such as demand fluctuations, production costs, and market conditions. Managerial economics provides tools to assess and manage risks, including techniques like decision tree analysis and expected value calculations. Capital Budgeting and Investment Analysis: Managerial economics assists in evaluating investment opportunities and capital projects. It involves methods Payback period analysis of investments. Regulatory and Government Policy Analysis: Managerial economics helps businesses understand and navigate government regulations and policies that affect their operations. This can include areas like taxation, environmental regulations, and trade policies. Strategic Planning: Using economic analysis, businesses can develop long-term strategies for growth and sustainability. This may involve assessing market trends, competitive dynamics, and potential expansion opportunities. Game Theory and Competitive Strategy: Managerial economics incorporates game theory to analyze strategic interactions between competitors. It helps businesses formulate optimal strategies in competitive environments. Resource Allocation: Efficient allocation of resources, including labor, capital, and technology, is crucial for a company's success. Managerial economics provides tools to distribute funds in a manner that optimisesoverall productivity and profitability. Demand Analysis and Forecasting, Production and Cost Analysis, Pricing Strategies, Market Structure Analysis, Risk and Uncertainty Analysis, Capital Budgeting and Investment Analysis and Regulatory and Government Policy Analysis. The Cranach’s Alpha Reliability result. The overall Cranach’s Alpha value for the model is .744 which indicates 74% reliability. From the literature review, the above 50% Cranach’s Alpha value model can be considered for analysis.

Climate change policing: Integrating environment-sensitive approaches in Nigerian security operations

Climate change has shifted from being solely a severe environmental challenge to becoming a critical threat to global security. Despite efforts to securitise climate change through speeches, policies, research, media and advocacy by various organisations, the specific roles of security agencies, especially in developing countries dealing with insurgencies, remain undefined. This study emphasises that an effective securitisation process must outline clear roles for security agencies, beginning with the creation of an environment friendly operational plan. In Nigeria, non-state violent groups use natural environments like forests and water bodies as hideouts, leading security forces to turn these areas into battlegrounds without environmental assessments or post-conflict remediation plans. This study investigates how eco-friendly practices are integrated into Nigerian security operations. Through 30 interviews and a critical analysis of climate-related policies, it was found that climate policies are not incorporated into security operations. This is evident in the criminalisation of forests, unsustainable disposal of crude oil and drugs, and correctional processes that ignore climate sensitivity. The study concludes that Nigerian security operations need a paradigm shift towards integrating climate-sensitive approaches, recommending that security agencies adopt practices that consider ecological impacts.

Guns better than education: political economy of defence, radical education policies, textbooks, and teachers’ outlook in Pakistan

ABSTRACT The proliferation of religious radicalism within Pakistani education has sparked increasing concern, with significant implications both locally and globally. Current scholarship has primarily focused on education policies and textbooks, often overlooking the complex entanglement between the political economy of defence, the influence of military and economic elites, and the particularisation of radical national and religious narratives. This article uses qualitative methods and purposive sampling to explore how these intertwined forces have radicalised education policies and school textbooks. The research reveals a deep historical nexus between the military apparatus, religious groups, and the state’s educational agenda, fuelling radical ideologies among public schools and madrassah (religious school) teachers. The article elucidates how these power structures have shaped educational discourse in Pakistan by examining this entanglement through the lens of Foucauldian governmentality. The findings underscore the critical societal implications of understanding these dynamics, particularly given teachers’ significant role in shaping students’ worldviews. This study offers valuable insights for international policy analysts, educators, and scholars concerned with the intersection of defence, politics, and education.

Comparative Educational Pluralism: A Framework for Comparative Policy Analysis

ABSTRACT In the face of ideologically driven inquiry and advocacy, debates about school choice and public-private-partnerships in education have produced more “light than heat.” Although scholars have recently emphasized the need for a greater focus on the particulars of policy design, limitations of existing frameworks have inhibited rigorous policy research capable of enhancing understanding of the effects of different policy designs, particularly when considering cross-national and comparative experiences. This article critically analyzes a set of prominent frameworks from the field before proposing a new Framework for Comparative Educational Pluralism that could inform a more design-sensitive and evidence-rooted approach to policy analysis and design pertaining to the role of non-state actors in education systems.

Analysis of contemporary climate adaptation policies in Ireland and their application to the coastal zone

Global climate change presents a range of impacts on Ireland's economy and society with particular challenges facing coastal areas. The need to adapt to these risks is considered both urgent and essential and the policy framework has evolved to meet these challenges with the adoption of climate action legislation and a National Adaptation Framework (NAF) to facilitate the transition to a climate-resilient economy and society by 2050. This paper briefly reviews the European and Irish government policy context for sectoral climate adaptation before reviewing and classifying the sectoral policy measures introduced to reduce vulnerabilities to climate change impacts. While the analysis reveals that progress has been made by adopting climate action legislation and by developing a suite of climate action focussed plans, it also demonstrates that the policy measures included in the Sectoral Adaptation Plans to reduce climate change vulnerabilities are limited in number and lacking in effectiveness. Furthermore, their application to cross-cutting themes, exemplified by the coast, is inadequate to deal with the practical climate change issues. These findings indicate that Ireland is at a preliminary stage when assessed according to the EU adaptation preparedness scorecard.

Assessing the initial impact of the Russian invasion on Ukrainian agriculture: Challenges, policy responses, and future prospects

The war in Ukraine has caused significant losses to the Ukrainian agricultural sector and threatened global food security. This study aims to comprehensively analyse the impact of the Russian invasion on Ukrainian agriculture in its initial phase, examine the responses of Ukrainian agricultural policy and outline key elements for the post-war development of the Ukrainian agricultural sector. Using a systematic approach that includes thorough data collection and analysis from official sources, the Ukrainian press, relevant legislation and statistical data, our study focuses on the first five months of the conflict, from February 24, 2022 to July 24, 2022, to identify the main challenges during this period. The agricultural policy analysis shows that the Ukrainian government has adopted a reactive approach, including tax simplification, affordable credit, deregulation, financial support for the agricultural sector, reduced prices for inputs and resources to support farmers, and improvements in logistics. Critical factors identified for post-war development include repatriation and agricultural education, support for small and medium-sized farms, integration into global markets, emphasis on organic practices and sustainable development, and digitalization in agriculture. The integration of a systematic overview of the Ukrainian agricultural sector and an analysis of key elements of post-war development provides essential insights for policy-makers and researchers concerned with the impact of war on the agricultural sector and food security.

An ideology of deserving: A historical analysis of the United States' immigration policies governing forced migration and social welfare

AbstractLegislation governs both the admittance and treatment of forced migrants in the United States. Increasingly, many forced migrants are offered few welfare benefits, temporary protection, and no pathway to permanent residency. This paper explores forced migrants' legal categories and access to social welfare, focusing on five humanitarian protection statuses: Temporary Protected Status, Humanitarian Parole, Asylum Seeker, Refugee, and Asylee. Based on the concepts of welfare nationalism and the Protestant Work Ethic, our historical analysis examines the Welfare Reform Act of 1996 to see how this landmark legislation shaped access to welfare for noncitizens. We then focus on the emergence of humanitarian statuses since the 1950s and the legislation that constructed them. We conclude that immigration legislation governing forced migrants underlies an ideology of deserving, where some are treated as more meritorious than others. Thus, we call for welfare scholars to elevate immigration status as a key category in their research.

Organizational Strategies for Providing Foreign Language Education Services to Adults Over 45: International Practices and Approaches

Organizing educational services for people over the age of 45 is essential for their personal development, economic participation, social inclusion, and mental well-being. International and local legislation supports these initiatives, aiming to provide equitable and inclusive educational opportunities for all ages and to use the benefits of these people being fruitfully involved in the economic and social life of a country. The article aims to examine the strategies for providing educational services to adult learners (citizens over the age of 45) in different countries (European countries, the USA, Australia, China, Ukraine, Brazil, and Japan), with a focus on whether this process is integrated into social services and formal and informal education systems within the framework of the concept of lifelong learning. The methods included literature review on databases such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, and ERIC; comparative analysis of educational policy documents; case studies and reports from different nations; meta-analysis; field observations; and others typical to the field of comparative education and general education. They were utilized to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded analysis of how different countries organize and implement foreign language education services for adults over the age of 45. The findings reveal that the approaches to providing foreign language education for adults over 45 varies widely across different countries, reflecting each nation's unique historical traditions, cultural values, and current societal needs. This diversity in practice can be categorized into four main groups: services provided by social services; formal education systems; informal education systems; and self-organized services to present the prevailing approach to providing foreign language education for individuals over 45 in each country. The study concludes that the provision of foreign language learning services for individuals over 45 varies significantly across countries, reflecting diverse historical traditions, cultural attitudes, and current needs. Whether through social services, formal education systems, informal educational channels, or self-organization, each country’s approach highlights the importance of adapting educational services to meet the needs of an adult population seeking continued personal and professional growth.

Analysis Of The Role Of Local Governments In Sustainable Development In Urban Areas

This study aims to analyze the role of local governments in the implementation of sustainable development policies in urban areas. Using a qualitative approach through case study methods, data were collected via in-depth interviews with local government officials, focus group discussions with community members, and analysis of policy documents and local development reports. The findings indicate that local governments play a vital role in creating positive impacts on the environment and the quality of life for residents through various implemented programs, such as integrated waste management systems, the development of green open spaces, and sustainable transportation policies. Despite significant progress, this research also identifies challenges faced by local governments, including funding limitations, a lack of community education, and the need for improved inter-agency coordination. To enhance their effectiveness in achieving sustainable development goals, local governments must address these challenges through increased budget allocations, educational campaigns to raise community awareness, and strengthened collaboration among agencies. By taking these steps, local governments can be more effective in realizing sustainable development and ensuring a better quality of life for urban residents. This research provides important insights for policymakers and practitioners in their efforts to create sustainable and responsive urban communities.

Comparative policy analysis in airport security through the lenses of the multiple-streams framework

Comparative policy analysis in airport security through the lenses of the multiple-streams framework

Uncertainty in dynamic econometric input-output models: a Norwegian case study

Input-output models used for macroeconomic impact and policy analysis are often characterised by large data sets and resource-heavy computing. However, the types of results they provide are sensitive to uncertainty in their core assumptions. Various approaches have been proposed to account for the uncertainty in one or more parts of the analysis assumptions. Although it is standard practice to include varied cases in policy analysis, the notion of stochasticity of parameters across periods of time is less widespread. Costly numerical computing and difficulty in interpreting the results complicate this approach. In this work, we adapt an environmentally-extended dynamic econometric input-output model to account for uncertainty of various kinds. We demonstrate the methodology in the case of building renovation. The results provide insight into situations where explicitly considering uncertainty as part of the analysis is useful, as well as others in which no additional information was gained from such treatment.

Representing children and youth in global migration governance: mobilization, corporatist representation and partnerships

ABSTRACT While children and youth undeniably have a stake in and are affected by global migration governance, they have only recently gained recognition as a constituency in global multi-stakeholder dialogues around migration. In this article, we examine the ways in which the mobilization of young people has created new pathways for child and youth representation in the global governance of migration. Based on the analysis of policy documents, interviews and participant observations from the 13th Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in 2021, we demonstrate how children and youth as a stakeholder group have established new processes to identify policy priorities, select representatives and build partnerships to offer solutions to pressing migration challenges. Although institutional trajectories limit the kinds of representation that become possible, the mobilization of young people has resulted in a tangible strengthening of their access, space and strategic position to represent themselves in global migration governance.

Public-private partnerships in the agricultural sector

The levels of management in the field of agriculture were systematized, a comparative ana­lysis of the international experience of management in the agrarian sphere was carried out (on the example of Germany and Italy). The current trends in digitalization of agricultural management in the world, as well as tasks and challenges of digitalization in Ukraine were described. The hypothesis of the research is that the implementation of digital solutions in the Ukrainian agricultural sector will increase the efficiency of management, especially in the condi­tions of military challenges. Methodo­logically, the research is based on the analysis of policies, strategic plans, scientific works and other sources related to management in the field of agriculture, taking into account the impact of digital techno­logies. The centralized manage­ment model in the development of the agricul­tural sector still dominates in European coun­tries. However, the EU current policy in the field of regional development provides for the transfer of as many management functions as possible to the region­nal level. This approach is also characteristic of the national model of agricultural development policy. The most important and effective tool for the modernization of any of the known management systems in the modern world is their digitali­zation. Digitization of management in the agricu­ltural industry at all levels, from the state to small agribusiness entities, is no exception. The further digital transformation of manage­ment in national agriculture represents a higher level of digital integration, which affects the most complex organi­zational changes in the structures of state admi­nistration and agribusi­ness. The results of the implementation of these tasks can significantly affect the growth of profits in the agricultural business and the competitiveness of products, which will allow the agricultural industry to reach modern global technological boundaries

Policies and practices impacting the implementation of nature-based solutions: a comparative study of ponds and pondscapes in eight countries

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly suggested to address biodiversity decline and climate change. However, many ecosystems are hardly used as NBS, including ponds and pondscapes. We therefore examine how policies and practices affect their implementation as NBS. Using a content analysis of policy documents and stakeholder inputs, we assess the policy context in eight countries but also zoom in on policies and practices in seventeen pondscapes. We derive three key insights: first, a protective status for a pond or pondscape interlinks with other enabling factors for NBS implementation, and protection and conservation should therefore be considered more often as NBS. Second, there is a shortage of, especially long-term, financing. Third, local leadership should be nurtured to overcome a lack of institutional cooperation and stakeholder awareness as well as fragmented land ownership. Beyond that, we show that implementation barriers interlink and interventions should therefore address several barriers simultaneously.

How is therapeutic residential care constructed within key policy documents ?

AbstractTherapeutic residential care (TRC) is a mode of delivering out‐of‐home care (OOHC) that can help meet the needs of some of Australia's most vulnerable young people and their families. TRC programmes aim to support young people to develop positive relationship experiences in a safe and stable environment. Given that TRC is a relatively new model of intervention, to date, the alignment between its aspirational aims and the existing and evolving policy environment in which it is located has not been analysed in any depth. This paper reports on a national policy analysis exploring how TRC is constructed in policy documents. One hundred and thirty‐two relevant policy documents were analysed to identify the practices and the conditions that facilitate the development of relationships and connections. The aims of the policies underpinning TRC were consistent with the literature outlining promising trauma‐informed approaches. Findings show how the policies support the development of beneficial relationships for children and young people; however, there were also several discrepancies and silences identified, including a limited conceptualisation of children's participation.

Intellectual Property Commercialization Policy to Expand Financing Options for Indonesian Creative Economy Businesses

This study aims to develop alternate strategies for completing the creative economy Intellectual Property collateral financing policy so that it may be implemented in Indonesia. The methods used descriptive qualitative research with SWOT analysis to analyze the implementation of Intellectual Property-based financing schemes' supporting and inhibiting factors. The preparation of alternative strategies based on the SWOT matrix produces nine strategies. The nine alternative strategies produced were evaluated and tested using four practical policy analysis criteria: Effectiveness, Efficiency, Legality, and Administrative Robustness. Three primary recommendations emerged from testing alternative approaches: first, a plan to fortify industry regulations related to financial services, which will serve as a model for financial institutions implementing credit provisions based on Intellectual Property collateral and expediting the realization of financing products backed by Intellectual Property Rights. Second, a plan to standard Intellectual Property valuation formula or economic value of Intellectual Property and establish an ecosystem for the Intellectual Property market to promote more consistent Intellectual Property valuations and third, managing credit risk through joint ventures with insurance companies, the debtor will pay the insurance costs that allow the Bank or Financial Institutions to transfer risks to third parties if the Intellectual Property value declines.

The Relocation of Indonesia's Capital: Public Policy Analysis and Its Implications for Regional Development

The relocation of the Indonesian capital has become a significant topic of debate in Indonesian public policy. In analyzing public policy and its implications, this study explores the factors that influenced the government's decision to move the country's capital. Using a multidisciplinary approach, this study considers the geopolitical, economic, social, and environmental aspects associated with the relocation process. The implications of this policy are also examined, including its impact on national development, the distribution of political power, as well as people's welfare. This research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the process of relocating Indonesia's capital and evaluate its impact on society and the country as a whole.