Journal of Public Policy

Scope & Guideline

Transforming Ideas into Action in Public Policy

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal of Public Policy information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Journal of Public Policy, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
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.

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