Suchergebnisse

The article discusses the role of independent research institutes (think tanks) in the Italian political system. We first argue why ajveus on think tanks can add to our understanding of Italian politics and policy change, and then provide information on research institutes and the challenge they face. We find that they face a more competitive environment than in the past. Next, we draw on the advocacy coalitions approach to examine the role of think tanks in major political and policy change. We present two stylised case studies, that is, the change of the electoral laws and the run-up to the Euro. Think tanks as organisations have not played a significant role in electoral reforms, although some think tank leaders have been personally engaged. We explain why think tanks have been somewhat at the periphery of this debate. By contrast, in the arena of economic policy, think tanks have operated as policy fora. They have thus facilitated social interaction amongst intellectuals and the emergence of an economic policy discourse based upon the paradigm of 'sound finance' and EMU (Economic and Monetary Union) convergence. We conclude with some suggestions for further research on think tanks: we think that the analysis of research institutes and policy-oriented knowledge should be integrated in theoretical approaches to policy change, rather than fuelling yet another 'cottage industry' of studies on a specific and very limited topic.