Reframing the Policy Process: Categorization of Policy Knowledge and Its Exchange

Abstract

This study aims at reframing the policy process in terms of knowledge exchange and illuminating the contribution of a knowledge utilization perspective to understanding the policy process. Specifically, based on categorizing policy knowledge into three types -theoretical, experience, and local knowledge-, a sharp focus is placed on all combinations of knowledge exchange. The findings of this study demonstrate that a knowledge exchange perspective provides a wider view of the policy process; shortly, the policy process consists of a variety of exchange interaction of policy knowledge involving diverse actors. It is suggested then that every member of society, as a participant in knowledge exchange interaction, should be actively engaged in improving the practice of democracy. This study concludes by pointing out a remaining critical Question for more deeply comprehending the policy process; empirical studies have accumulated evidence of how knowledge exchange interactions occur in the policy process (e.g., the politicization of knowledge utilization), whereas philosophical research is insufficient to answer normative Questions such as how to combine diverse policy knowledge to make a policy decision.