Public Policy (ICPE)

Aims of the course

The course makes students understand the proces of public policies formation in a contemporary world in a manner in which policy is analyzed in modern theoretical literature in comparison with case studies from across the world and in a European context. The main topics will include policy formation, the structure of carrying out policy,its evaluation including the role of various stakeholders.

Course syllabus

1. Public policy process: diverse models and theories; theory of ownership rights and public policy
2. Problem identification: recognition of problems and issues
3. Analyses of policy setting: policy design and formulation, policy adoptions (decisions and strategies), policy implementation, policy evaluation
4. The role of stakeholders in public policy
5. Selected topics from current public policy in the EU and in the world
5.1. Rolling back frontiers of the state
a) Supply side policy, purchaser-provider split
b) Public private partnerships
c) Market testing and contracting out
5.2. The case for decentralised public policy: definition, the efficiency case for decentralisation, decentralisation versus economies of scale
5.3. The rationale for regional government within the EU: rationale, services for regional government, strategic issues for size and structure, strategic issues for financing, financing equalization
5.4. Models of local government and public policy
5.5. »Exit and voice« model as public policy
5.6. Alternative financing of public services: vouchers and co-payments (case studies)
6. Public policy analyses in selected areas (welfare policy, education policy, health care policy, environmental policy, etc.)

Course director(s)