SAMENVATTING PUBLIC POLICY: SESSION 4: POLICY
FORMULATION
WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Second phase of the policy process
DEVELOPING AND CONSIDERING POLICY OPTIONS
POLICY FORMULATION
= The process of defining, considering and accepting or rejecting options
= "governments and other policy actors ask and answer questions about how societies
can deal with various kinds of problems and conditions affecting citizens and
organizations in the pursuit of their goals”
WHAT AND HOW
Not just “how” but “what”: Policy formulation isn’t only about the process—it’s
about deciding what kind of policy options are being created.
Policy options as tools: These options are techniques or tools that use
government resources to achieve specific goals.
From problems to goals: Governments turn complex social problems into clear
objectives. This translation shapes what solutions are seen as doable, practical,
and politically acceptable.
Defining goals: Formulation involves deciding what kind of problems to address,
what the current situation is, and what future outcomes are desired.
Policy instruments: Also called tools of government, these are the methods
authorities use to influence behavior and create change—like laws, incentives, or
public campaigns.
FILTERING AND POLITICS
Policy formulation is political: It’s not just a technical or neutral process—it
involves conflict, persuasion, and power struggles among political actors.
Policy solutions aren’t neutral tools: While often seen as objective
instruments, policy proposals reflect political interests, values, and
strategic choices.
Formulation as a filtering system:
o Policymakers promote their preferred solutions.
, o They do this by building arguments and alliances.
o At the same time, they try to block competing proposals.
EXAMPLES
The solutions that you make, are related to your political prefrences
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN MOVING FROM AGENDA-SETTING
TO POLICY FORMULATION?
Opposition from political parties
Interest can move to another problem
POLICY INSTRUMENTS: THEY KEY FOCUS
= the ‘building bricks’ of policy
= Policy instruments are the tools or techniques that governments use to implement
public policy and influence behavior. They are the operational means through which
policy goals are pursued.
THE POLICY ONION: FIVE LAYERS
How do we disect/ explain the policy instrument?
FORMULATION
WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Second phase of the policy process
DEVELOPING AND CONSIDERING POLICY OPTIONS
POLICY FORMULATION
= The process of defining, considering and accepting or rejecting options
= "governments and other policy actors ask and answer questions about how societies
can deal with various kinds of problems and conditions affecting citizens and
organizations in the pursuit of their goals”
WHAT AND HOW
Not just “how” but “what”: Policy formulation isn’t only about the process—it’s
about deciding what kind of policy options are being created.
Policy options as tools: These options are techniques or tools that use
government resources to achieve specific goals.
From problems to goals: Governments turn complex social problems into clear
objectives. This translation shapes what solutions are seen as doable, practical,
and politically acceptable.
Defining goals: Formulation involves deciding what kind of problems to address,
what the current situation is, and what future outcomes are desired.
Policy instruments: Also called tools of government, these are the methods
authorities use to influence behavior and create change—like laws, incentives, or
public campaigns.
FILTERING AND POLITICS
Policy formulation is political: It’s not just a technical or neutral process—it
involves conflict, persuasion, and power struggles among political actors.
Policy solutions aren’t neutral tools: While often seen as objective
instruments, policy proposals reflect political interests, values, and
strategic choices.
Formulation as a filtering system:
o Policymakers promote their preferred solutions.
, o They do this by building arguments and alliances.
o At the same time, they try to block competing proposals.
EXAMPLES
The solutions that you make, are related to your political prefrences
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN MOVING FROM AGENDA-SETTING
TO POLICY FORMULATION?
Opposition from political parties
Interest can move to another problem
POLICY INSTRUMENTS: THEY KEY FOCUS
= the ‘building bricks’ of policy
= Policy instruments are the tools or techniques that governments use to implement
public policy and influence behavior. They are the operational means through which
policy goals are pursued.
THE POLICY ONION: FIVE LAYERS
How do we disect/ explain the policy instrument?
