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Levidow, Les and Papaioannou, Theo
(2016).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/scipol/scv016
Abstract
Evidence-based policy-making (EBPM) has been a much-debated concept, attracting various theoretical interpretations. This paper builds on those insights for a novel perspective: policy-driven, narrative-based evidence-gathering. In a case study of UK priority-setting for bioenergy innovation, documents and interviews were analysed to identify links between problem-diagnoses, societal visions, policy narratives and evidence-gathering. This process is illuminated by the theoretical concept of socio-technical imaginaries – technoscientific projects which the state should promote for a feasible, desirable future.
Results suggest that evidence has been selectively generated and gathered within a specific future vision, whereby bioenergy largely provides an input-substitute within the incumbent centralised infrastructure; such evidence is attributed to an external expertise, thus helping to legitimise the policy framework. Evidence has helped to substantiate policy commitments to expand bioenergy. An earlier policy vision for decentralised bioenergy has been kept marginal. The dominant narrative has been reinforced by the government’s multi-stakeholder consultation favouring incumbent industry and by incentive structures for industry co-investment.
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About
- Item ORO ID
- 43141
- Item Type
- Journal Item
- ISSN
- 0302-3427
- Project Funding Details
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Funded Project Name Project ID Funding Body Knowledge production for sustainable bio-energy: an analysis of UK decision processes and priorities. (XD-09-103-LL) RES-062-23-2701 ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) Knowledge production for sustainable bio-energy: an analysis of UK decision processes and priorities. (XD-09-103-LL) ES/H046321/1 ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) - Keywords
- evidence-based policy-making (EBPM); socio-technical imaginary; UK, bioenergy; decarbonisation; decentralisation; anaerobic digestion; biofuels
- Academic Unit or School
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Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) > Social Sciences and Global Studies > Development
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) > Social Sciences and Global Studies
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) - Research Group
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Innovation, Knowledge & Development research centre (IKD)
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OpenSpace Research Centre (OSRC)
Institute for Innovation Generation in the Life Sciences (Innogen) - Copyright Holders
- © 2015 The Authors
- Depositing User
- Les Levidow