Science and Public Policy

Scope & Guideline

Bridging the Gap Between Science and Governance

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of Science and Public Policy with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0302-3427
PublisherOXFORD UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Converge1974, from 1976 to 1982, from 1984 to 2024
AbbreviationSCI PUBL POLICY / Sci. Public Policy
Frequency6 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressGREAT CLARENDON ST, OXFORD OX2 6DP, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Science and Public Policy' focuses on the interface between science, technology, and public policy, exploring how knowledge and innovation can inform and shape policy decisions across various sectors. The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary research methodologies and aims to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and policy implementation.
  1. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Policy Analysis:
    The journal publishes research that employs diverse methodologies, integrating insights from social sciences, technology studies, and public administration to analyze how science and technology influence policy-making.
  2. Innovation and Technology Governance:
    A core focus is on the governance of innovation and technology, examining regulatory frameworks, policy instruments, and institutional arrangements that facilitate or hinder technological advancement.
  3. Societal Impacts of Science and Technology:
    Research often addresses the societal implications of scientific advancements, including ethical considerations, public perceptions, and the role of science in addressing societal challenges.
  4. Knowledge Co-Production and Engagement:
    The journal emphasizes the importance of co-production of knowledge between academia, industry, and public stakeholders, highlighting collaborative approaches to problem-solving in public policy.
  5. Sustainability and Environmental Policy:
    It includes studies on sustainable development, environmental governance, and the role of science in shaping effective environmental policies.
  6. Globalization and Science Diplomacy:
    The journal explores the international dimensions of science policy, including the role of science in global governance and the impact of international collaborations on domestic policy.
Recent publications in 'Science and Public Policy' indicate a shift towards several emerging themes that reflect contemporary challenges and the evolving landscape of science policy. These trends reveal the journal's responsiveness to global issues and the integration of new research areas.
  1. Artificial Intelligence and Policy Development:
    A significant trend is the exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for public policy, including governance frameworks, ethical considerations, and societal impacts, reflecting the growing importance of AI in contemporary governance.
  2. COVID-19 and Innovation Responses:
    Research analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on innovation policies and practices is on the rise, highlighting how crises can catalyze changes in policy frameworks and collaborative efforts in science and technology.
  3. Sustainability Transitions and Climate Policy:
    There is an increasing focus on sustainability transitions and the role of science in informing climate policy, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to address global environmental challenges.
  4. Public Engagement and Co-Creation:
    Emerging themes around public engagement and co-creation in policy processes indicate a growing recognition of the value of involving diverse stakeholders in the development and implementation of science policies.
  5. Digital Transformation and Governance:
    The journal is increasingly addressing the implications of digital transformation across sectors, exploring how digital technologies influence governance, innovation, and public service delivery.

Declining or Waning

While 'Science and Public Policy' continues to evolve, certain themes appear to be receiving less emphasis in recent publications. This section highlights areas that may be waning in focus, reflecting shifts in research priorities or emerging issues.
  1. Traditional Science Communication:
    Research focused solely on traditional models of science communication is declining, as the journal increasingly prioritizes studies that explore interactive and participatory communication methods.
  2. Static Regulatory Frameworks:
    There is a noticeable decrease in papers discussing rigid regulatory frameworks, with a shift towards more dynamic and adaptive approaches to governance that reflect the fast-paced nature of innovation.
  3. Sector-Specific Policies:
    The journal seems to be moving away from narrowly focused studies on specific sectors (e.g., agriculture or health) in favor of broader, interdisciplinary research that connects various sectors and systemic approaches.
  4. Historical Analyses of Science Policy:
    While historical perspectives on science policy remain relevant, they are less frequently featured compared to contemporary analyses that address current challenges and future directions in science and technology policy.
  5. Single-Dimensional Impact Assessments:
    There is a decline in studies that assess the impacts of science and technology in isolation, as the journal increasingly emphasizes multifaceted evaluations that consider social, economic, and environmental dimensions.

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