Science and Public Policy

Scope & Guideline

Bridging the Gap Between Science and Governance

Introduction

Welcome to the Science and 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 Science and 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
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.

Similar Journals

NISPAcee Journal of Public Administration and Policy

Catalyzing Knowledge in Central and Eastern European Governance
Publisher: SCIENDOISSN: 1337-9038Frequency: 2 issues/year

NISPAcee Journal of Public Administration and Policy, published by SCIENDO, stands as a pivotal open-access platform in the field of public administration, facilitating the dissemination of innovative research and policy analysis since its establishment in 2009. With an ISSN of 1337-9038 and E-ISSN 1338-4309, the journal is based in Germany and is committed to contributing to the academic discourse surrounding public governance and administrative processes across Central and Eastern Europe. The journal’s notable ranking in the 2023 Scopus Quartile Q3 and its position in the 52nd percentile underscore its relevance and growing influence within the academic community. Researchers and scholars will find the journal an invaluable resource for advancing their understanding of public administration theories and practices, thus enhancing their professional contributions to the field. The NISPAcee Journal not only encourages knowledge sharing but also empowers both students and seasoned professionals to engage critically with contemporary issues in public policy and administration.

Public Works Management & Policy

Advancing the Future of Public Infrastructure Management.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 1087-724XFrequency: 4 issues/year

Public Works Management & Policy, published by SAGE Publications Inc, is an esteemed journal dedicated to the interdisciplinary exploration of public works, management practices, and policies that shape the infrastructure and public service landscape. With an ISSN of 1087-724X and an E-ISSN of 1552-7549, this journal serves as a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to disseminate critical findings and innovative strategies impacting public works management. The journal has demonstrated its academic rigor with a third quartile ranking (Q3) across three categories in 2023: Business, Management and Accounting (Miscellaneous), Public Administration, and Sociology and Political Science. It is indexed in Scopus, positioned in the 63rd percentile for Sociology and Political Science and 43rd percentile for its other categories, underscoring its relevance in contemporary discourse. Catering to a diverse audience, Public Works Management & Policy aims to enhance knowledge and foster collaborations that address the challenges facing public infrastructure management today. Although it does not operate under an open access model, the journal provides invaluable insights that significantly contribute to the field. For continued engagement and cutting-edge research in public works and policy, this journal remains an essential resource for academics and practitioners alike.

Administration

Cultivating a rich dialogue on effective governance strategies.
Publisher: SCIENDOISSN: 0001-8325Frequency: 4 issues/year

Administration is an esteemed academic journal published by SCIENDO that focuses on exploring key topics in the fields of economics, public administration, and sociology. With a commitment to open access since 2015, the journal ensures that groundbreaking research is available to a global audience, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration among researchers, professionals, and students alike. Based in Germany, the journal boasts a robust reputation, achieving impressive quartile rankings in 2023, including Q2 in both Economics and Sociology, and Q3 in Public Administration. This positions Administration as a significant platform for advancing discussions and insights within its diverse fields. With SCOPUS rankings reflecting its growing influence—ranked within the 23rd to 34th percentiles across its categories—the journal plays a crucial role in addressing contemporary administrative challenges, stimulating innovative approaches and strategies for effective governance and policy implementation.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Exploring Innovative Practices in Public Administration
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0190-0692Frequency: 16 issues/year

International Journal of Public Administration, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a leading peer-reviewed journal that has significantly contributed to the fields of Public Administration and Business Management since its inception in 1979. With an ISSN of 0190-0692 and an E-ISSN of 1532-4265, this esteemed journal presents rigorous research and innovative practices essential for understanding complex governance and management challenges. The 2023 Scopus rankings highlight its relevance, positioning it at Q2 in both Business and International Management and Public Administration, with notable percentiles of 65th and 73rd, respectively. As a valuable resource for researchers, professionals, and students, the journal encourages scholarly discourse that enhances public service delivery and promotes effective management policies in diverse settings. With access options limited, readers are urged to take advantage of its rich archive and current articles as they engage with critical issues shaping public administration today.

Amme Idaresi Dergisi

Fostering Academic Dialogue on Governance and Society
Publisher: ANKARA HACI BAYRAM VELI UNIVISSN: 1300-1795Frequency: 4 issues/year

Amme Idaresi Dergisi is a notable academic journal published by ANKARA HACI BAYRAM VELI UNIVERSITY, focusing on the fields of Public Administration and Sociology and Political Science. With a history of publication beginning in 2008 and continuing through 2024, this journal serves as a vital platform for the dissemination of research findings, theoretical insights, and practical applications pertinent to governance and social dynamics in contemporary society. Although classified Q4 in Public Administration and Q3 in Sociology and Political Science per the 2023 category quartiles, the journal occupies a critical niche within these disciplines, encouraging contributions that advance understanding in both local and global contexts. Researchers, practitioners, and students alike can benefit from its rigorous and insightful articles, while its Scopus rankings reflect the journal’s commitment to fostering academic dialogue within the lesser-explored aspects of social sciences, attempting to connect both theoretical frameworks and real-world applications. Despite its modest impact factor statistics, the journal continues to aim for higher academic visibility in a competitive landscape, ensuring that fresh perspectives on public policy and societal issues emerge from its pages.

POLITICA Y GOBIERNO

Innovating Insights into Political Science and International Relations
Publisher: CENTRO DE INVESTIGACION Y DOCENCIA ECONOMICASISSN: 1665-2037Frequency: 2 issues/year

POLITICA Y GOBIERNO is a prominent academic journal published by the CENTRO DE INVESTIGACION Y DOCENCIA ECONOMICAS and primarily focuses on the dynamic fields of Political Science and International Relations. Since its inception, the journal has provided a vital platform for scholars and practitioners to disseminate their research, contributing significantly to the discourse surrounding governance and public policy. With a commendable Q2 ranking in the category of Political Science and International Relations, it is recognized for its rigorous academic standards and impactful contributions, particularly in the Latin American context. The journal is committed to exploring critical issues related to politics and government, fostering discussions that shape policy and civic engagement, while being indexed in Scopus with a ranking of 380 out of 706 in its field. Although it does not offer open access, its comprehensive analyses and thought-provoking articles remain essential reading for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of governance and political dynamics in Mexico and beyond. The journal can be accessed through institutional subscriptions, ensuring it remains a crucial resource in the study of socio-political processes.

Economics of Governance

Illuminating Economic Performance through Governance Analysis.
Publisher: SPRINGER HEIDELBERGISSN: 1435-6104Frequency: 3 issues/year

Economics of Governance (ISSN: 1435-6104; E-ISSN: 1435-8131) is a distinguished journal published by SPRINGER HEIDELBERG, dedicated to advancing the field of governance economics. Established in 2003, this journal explores the intricate relationships between governance structures and economic performance, making it a vital resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers alike. With its impressive categorization in Q3 in Business and International Management and Q2 in Economics, Econometrics, and Finance (miscellaneous) as of 2023, it stands as a prominent platform for innovative research. Although it operates without open access, it attracts a robust readership owing to its critical analyses and high-quality contributions, fostering an understanding of governance mechanisms in a globalized economy. The journal also receives recognition within Scopus, ranking #139 in General Economics and #323 in Business and International Management, reflecting its influence in shaping current discourse and research trends. For those devoted to the economics of governance, this journal is a crucial asset that continually encourages scholarly inquiry and professional development.

Journal of Integrative Environmental Sciences

Uniting voices in the quest for environmental resilience.
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1943-815XFrequency: 4 issues/year

Journal of Integrative Environmental Sciences, published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, stands as a pivotal platform for researchers and professionals in the fields of Environmental Science and Public Health. With an impact factor reflecting its significance in the academic community, this Open Access journal has been democratizing access to cutting-edge research since 2016, enhancing visibility and dissemination of vital insights. The journal covers a wide scope, converging studies from 2010 to 2024, and holds esteemed rankings in Q2 quartiles for Environmental Science and Public Health, indicating its substantial contribution to these critical fields. With Scopus rankings placing it favorably among its peers, researchers benefit from a diverse array of articles addressing pressing environmental and health issues, sustainability, and renewable energy. As an essential resource for advancing knowledge and fostering innovation, the Journal of Integrative Environmental Sciences encourages contributions that span interdisciplinary approaches to solving some of the most challenging environmental dilemmas of our time.

JOURNAL OF EUROPEAN PUBLIC POLICY

Advancing Knowledge in European Policy Dynamics
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1350-1763Frequency: 10 issues/year

JOURNAL OF EUROPEAN PUBLIC POLICY is a premier scholarly journal dedicated to the exploration and analysis of public policy within a European context. Published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, this esteemed journal boasts an impressive impact factor and holds a distinguished position in the academic landscape, recognized in the Q1 category for Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, and Sociology. With a robust timeline spanning from 1994 to 2024, it serves as a critical platform for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to disseminate innovative ideas and empirical research regarding contemporary issues in public policy. Although it currently does not offer open access, the journal's articles are widely accessible through institutional subscriptions, ensuring its relevance in educational and professional settings. The journal ranks prominently within Scopus, placing it in the top percentiles for Political Science and Public Administration, indicating its significant contribution to the field and highlighting the value of its content for academia and beyond.

Journal of Chinese Governance

Unveiling the Complexities of Governance in China
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 2381-2346Frequency: 4 issues/year

Journal of Chinese Governance, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a leading academic journal dedicated to advancing the understanding of governance in China and its implications for global political dynamics. With an impressive Q1 ranking in Political Science and International Relations, Public Administration, and Sociology and Political Science, this journal positions itself as an essential resource for researchers and professionals alike, providing critical insights into contemporary governance issues. Currently ranked #24 out of 706 in Political Science and boasting a 96th percentile ranking, it has quickly established itself as a go-to publication for scholars demanding high-quality research and discourse related to Chinese governance. Although it is not an Open Access journal, it ensures that subscribers have access to rigorous peer-reviewed articles that encompass diverse perspectives on policy, administration, and socio-economic factors affecting governance in China. As we move towards 2024, the Journal of Chinese Governance remains committed to its mission of fostering knowledge and innovation within the field, making it a vital addition to any academic library or individual research collection.