Journal of Public Policy

Scope & Guideline

Pioneering Research for Sustainable Policy Solutions

Introduction

Delve into the academic richness of Journal of Public Policy with our guidelines, detailing its aims and scope. Our resource identifies emerging and trending topics paving the way for new academic progress. We also provide insights into declining or waning topics, helping you stay informed about changing research landscapes. Evaluate highly cited topics and recent publications within these guidelines to align your work with influential scholarly trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0143-814x
PublisherCAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1981 to 2024
AbbreviationJ PUBLIC POLICY / J. Public Policy
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressEDINBURGH BLDG, SHAFTESBURY RD, CB2 8RU CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Public Policy aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of public policy, emphasizing the dynamics of policymaking, implementation, and the impact of policies on society. The journal seeks to provide a platform for rigorous analysis and innovative methodologies that contribute to the understanding of public policy processes.
  1. Policymaking Dynamics:
    Investigates how policies are formulated, the actors involved, and the institutional frameworks that shape decision-making processes.
  2. Implementation and Compliance:
    Focuses on how policies are executed in practice, including compliance issues, the role of bureaucrats, and the impact of local contexts.
  3. Social Policy Analysis:
    Examines welfare state dynamics, social justice, and the effects of social policies on various demographics and the broader society.
  4. Comparative Policy Studies:
    Engages in cross-national analyses to explore differences and similarities in policy approaches, particularly in welfare, health, and environmental policies.
  5. Public Administration and Governance:
    Studies the intersection of public administration and policy, exploring themes of governance, accountability, and public sector innovation.
  6. Political Context and Policy:
    Explores the influence of political ideologies, partisan dynamics, and public opinion on policy formulation and implementation.
The Journal of Public Policy has identified several emerging themes reflecting contemporary challenges and innovations in public policy. This section highlights these trending areas, which are increasingly relevant to policymakers and researchers alike.
  1. Digital Governance and Algorithmic Policy:
    A notable increase in studies examining the role of technology and algorithms in governance, particularly how they shape citizen engagement and policy outcomes.
  2. Health Policy in Crisis Contexts:
    Research focusing on health policy responses to crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has surged, highlighting the need for effective public health strategies and governance.
  3. Environmental Policy and Climate Change:
    An emerging focus on the intersection of public policy and environmental issues, particularly regarding climate action and sustainability measures.
  4. Public Trust and Governance:
    Growing interest in how public trust influences policy acceptance and compliance, particularly in the context of government responses to crises and social issues.
  5. Social Justice and Equity in Policy:
    An increasing emphasis on equity and social justice in policy analysis, focusing on how policies affect marginalized groups and the importance of inclusive policymaking.

Declining or Waning

As the Journal of Public Policy evolves, certain themes appear to be declining in prominence, reflecting shifts in research priorities and societal concerns. This section identifies these waning areas based on recent publications.
  1. Traditional Bureaucratic Processes:
    Research focusing solely on traditional bureaucratic functions and hierarchical structures has seen a decline, as newer studies emphasize innovative governance and participatory approaches.
  2. Static Policy Models:
    The reliance on static models of policy analysis that do not account for dynamic changes and feedback loops is becoming less prevalent, with a shift toward more adaptive and responsive frameworks.
  3. Exclusively National Perspectives:
    Studies that focus exclusively on national policy contexts are waning, as there is an increasing emphasis on global and transnational policy interactions and comparative studies.
  4. Overly Theoretical Frameworks:
    Theoretical discussions without empirical grounding are less common, as the journal increasingly favors studies that combine theory with practical insights and real-world applications.
  5. Deterministic Views of Policy Impact:
    Research that assumes a linear relationship between policy decisions and outcomes is declining, giving way to more nuanced analyses that consider multiple influencing factors.

Similar Journals

Journal of Public and Nonprofit Affairs

Fostering Innovation for Societal Impact
Publisher: MIDWEST PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONFERENCEISSN: 2381-3717Frequency: 3 issues/year

The Journal of Public and Nonprofit Affairs, published by the MIDWEST PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONFERENCE, serves as a premier platform for scholarly discourse within the realms of public administration, nonprofit management, and social welfare. Established as an open-access journal since 2015, it ensures that research is accessible to a wide audience, fostering knowledge transfer among scholars, practitioners, and students alike. The journal has garnered recognition with its Category Quartiles ranking in 2023, featuring Q2 placements in Business and International Management, Economics, and Public Administration, among others. Its robust Scopus rankings further underscore its impact, positioning it within the top percentiles across its various fields. With a commitment to advancing understanding and practice in the public and nonprofit sectors, the journal invites contributions that push the boundaries of existing knowledge and foster innovative approaches to pressing societal challenges. For those seeking to contribute to impactful conversations, the Journal of Public and Nonprofit Affairs is an indispensable resource.

GOVERNANCE-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF POLICY ADMINISTRATION AND INSTITUTIONS

Shaping Global Governance Through Rigorous Research
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0952-1895Frequency: 4 issues/year

GOVERNANCE - AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF POLICY ADMINISTRATION AND INSTITUTIONS is a premier academic journal published by Wiley, based in the United Kingdom, with an esteemed history from 1988 to 2024. Recognized for its high-impact contributions, this journal holds a Q1 ranking in key categories such as Marketing, Public Administration, and Sociology and Political Science, reflecting its significance in shaping contemporary discourse across multiple disciplines. The journal, identified by the ISSN 0952-1895 and E-ISSN 1468-0491, is renowned for its rigorous peer-reviewed articles that advance knowledge and practice in governance, public policy, and institutional dynamics. Although it operates under a subscription model, researchers and practitioners interested in the intersection of policy and administration will find a wealth of insights that foster academic and professional development. With a Scopus ranking placing it among the top journals in Sociology and Political Science and Public Administration, GOVERNANCE continues to be an essential resource for those dedicated to enhancing policy frameworks and administrative efficacy globally.

Asia & the Pacific Policy Studies

Bridging research and practice in the Asia-Pacific arena.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 2050-2680Frequency: 3 issues/year

Asia & the Pacific Policy Studies, published by WILEY, is a premier open access journal dedicated to advancing the understanding and discourse surrounding policy issues in the Asia-Pacific region. With an ISSN of 2050-2680 and an e-ISSN of 2050-2680, the journal has been a vital platform for interdisciplinary research since its inception in 2014. Recognized for its credible contributions, it holds a Q2 ranking in fields such as Economics, Political Science, and Sociology as of 2023, with Scopus rankings placing it in the top quartiles of various relevant disciplines, including Political Science and International Relations, where it ranks #144 out of 706 journals. The journal’s open access model ensures that high-quality research is readily available to a global audience, fostering collaboration and innovation. Scholars, researchers, and students are encouraged to contribute to and engage with the critical analyses presented, which encompass a wide range of topics from public administration to strategic management, ultimately enhancing policy formulation and implementation across the Asia-Pacific landscape.

Revista Iberoamericana de Estudios Municipales

Advancing municipal knowledge across Ibero-America.
Publisher: UNIV AUTONOMA CHILE, INST CHILENO ESTUDIOS MUNICIPALESISSN: 0718-8838Frequency: 2 issues/year

Revista Iberoamericana de Estudios Municipales, published by Universidad Autónoma de Chile in collaboration with the Instituto Chileno de Estudios Municipales, serves as a vital platform for the dissemination of research focused on municipal studies across the Ibero-American region. With its commitment to open access since 2010, this journal allows researchers, professionals, and students to freely engage with scholarly articles that cover a broad spectrum of topics related to municipal governance, urban development, and public policy. Designed to foster dialogue and share innovative practices, the journal aims to enhance the understanding of local governance issues and to contribute to the development of effective municipal management strategies. Located in Santiago, Chile, the journal invites contributions that can aid in advancing the field of urban studies, promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange among Ibero-American scholars.

Public Administration and Policy-An Asia-Pacific Journal

Navigating the Intersection of Policy and Public Service.
Publisher: EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LTDISSN: 1727-2645Frequency: 1 issue/year

Public Administration and Policy-An Asia-Pacific Journal is a distinguished academic journal published by Emerald Group Publishing Ltd that focuses on the pivotal role of public administration and policy within the Asia-Pacific region. With an ISSN of 1727-2645 and E-ISSN 2517-679X, this open-access journal has been instrumental in disseminating high-quality research since its transition to open access in 2018. The journal occupies a significant position within its field, currently holding Q3 quartile status in categories such as Geography, Planning and Development, Health (Social Science), and Public Administration, while achieving Q2 in Sociology and Political Science as of 2023. Its Scopus rankings reflect its growing impact, showcasing its relevance and commitment to exploring critical issues in public administration across various social sciences. Aimed at researchers, professionals, and students, the journal serves as an essential resource for those looking to advance their understanding of public policy dynamics and administrative practices in the Asia-Pacific context. With a converged publication timeline from 2018 to 2024, it remains dedicated to shaping the discourse in public administration and policy.

Swiss Political Science Review

Your Gateway to Cutting-Edge Political Science
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 1424-7755Frequency: 4 issues/year

Swiss Political Science Review, published by WILEY, stands at the forefront of political science discourse, reflecting a strong commitment to scholarship since its inception in 1995. With an impressive impact factor and ranking in the Q1 category of political science and international relations, this journal plays a pivotal role in advancing research and analysis of contemporary political issues. Covering a diverse range of topics from governance and policy analysis to international relations, the journal provides a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students alike, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and innovative perspectives. Accessible to a global audience, Swiss Political Science Review continues to shape the contours of political science scholarship and is an essential resource for those seeking to contribute to the field. The journal's ISSN is 1424-7755, and its E-ISSN is 1662-6370, ensuring its availability to the academic community worldwide.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REVIEW

Exploring the nexus of policy and academic excellence.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0033-3352Frequency: 6 issues/year

Public Administration Review (ISSN: 0033-3352, E-ISSN: 1540-6210), published by Wiley, is a premier journal in the fields of Public Administration, Marketing, and Sociology, renowned for its significant impact on academic research and policy practice. With a distinguished Q1 quartile ranking across multiple disciplines, it boasts an impressive impact factor that reflects its high citation rates and influence within the scholarly community. The journal aims to advance the understanding of public administration through rigorous peer-reviewed research that bridges theory and practice, fostering greater governance and organizational excellence. Since its inception in 1978, the journal has served as a vital platform for scholars and practitioners alike, disseminating innovative research and insights to enhance public service effectiveness. Situated in the United Kingdom, Public Administration Review continues to play a critical role in shaping the discourse in its field, making it an essential resource for researchers, policymakers, and students dedicated to the advancement of public administration.

SOCIAL POLICY & ADMINISTRATION

Driving impactful discussions in public administration and social work.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0144-5596Frequency: 7 issues/year

SOCIAL POLICY & ADMINISTRATION, published by WILEY, is a leading journal in the fields of social policy and administration, focusing on the intersection of social work, public administration, and sociology. Established in 1967, this UK-based journal has consistently contributed to scholarly discussions and policy-making practices, reflecting its prestigious standing with a Q1 ranking in three key categories: Development, Public Administration, and Social Work for 2023. With an impressive Scopus ranking that places it in the top 7% of its field, it serves as an essential resource for researchers, practitioners, and students aiming to explore contemporary challenges and advancements in social policy. Although it does not currently offer open access, readers can benefit from its rigorous peer-reviewed articles and empirical studies that aim to shape the future of social administration, providing critical insights for effective policy formulation and implementation.

Global Public Policy and Governance

Bridging theory and practice in international relations.
Publisher: SPRINGERNATUREISSN: 2730-6291Frequency: 4 issues/year

Global Public Policy and Governance is a pioneering journal published by SPRINGERNATURE, focusing on critical issues within the realms of political science, international relations, and public administration. Launched in 2021, this scholarly platform aims to foster rigorous discourse surrounding the complexities of global governance and public policymaking in an increasingly interconnected world. With an emerging impact factor and a commendable ranking in both political science and public administration categories, the journal is recognized as a vital resource for researchers, practitioners, and students seeking to stay abreast of contemporary developments and theoretical advancements. The journal's commitment to contributing to meaningful policy dialogues and its positioning in the Q2 and Q3 quartiles underscore its relevance and scholarly merit. It is an essential read for those invested in shaping effective governance frameworks amid global challenges. The journal is accessible to a wide audience interested in rigorous academic inquiry and policy-oriented research.

Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis

Exploring innovative methodologies for impactful policy studies.
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1387-6988Frequency: 6 issues/year

Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis is a leading peer-reviewed journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, established to advance the field of comparative public policy analysis since its inception in 1999. With an impressive Q1 ranking in both Public Administration and Sociology and Political Science categories as of 2023, this journal stands out as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to understand and apply comparative methodologies in policy studies. The journal's impact is underscored by its high rankings in Scopus, where it occupies the 28th position out of 232 in Public Administration and the 85th position out of 1466 in Sociology and Political Science, reflecting its significant contribution to the academic discourse. Although it is not an open-access journal, it remains accessible through various institutional and library subscriptions, ensuring a wide reach for its vital content. This journal plays a pivotal role in fostering scholarly dialogue and innovative research, making it a pivotal platform for those dedicated to enhancing policy analysis through comparative perspectives.