The "State of the States" project focuses on facilitating policy learning by providing a platform where users can gain insight into the policy landscape and compare different approaches adopted by US states. By assessing existing policies and sharing successful approaches, the platform aims to promote systematic policy learning. Throughout my involvement in the Undergraduate Research Assistant (UGRA) program under the guidance of Chris Gilson, my tasks included proofreading case studies, updating state-level data, conducting literature reviews on policy transfer and lobbying, and researching potential partner organizations.
As a Research Assistant, my work involved building upon the previous research assistant's efforts. Initially, I undertook the task of proofreading the case studies published on the platform and updating state-level data from previous years. This immersion in state-level data on political systems and demographics enhanced my understanding of the US political context, which was previously limited. Moreover, I gained valuable experience in handling meticulous numerical tasks, improving my attention to detail through careful cross-checking and data collection.
Methods Employed
Active discussions with Chris Gilson opened up avenues for the project's further development. To explore these directions, I conducted a literature review encompassing multiple topics. Initially, I focused on policy diffusion and transfer, aiming to clarify the distinctions between these terms and determine their relevance to the "State of the State" project. The global literature on policy diffusion and transfer highlighted that policy transfer was a more accurate representation of the platform's objectives, as it explicitly emphasized policy learning. Furthermore, the literature confirmed the absence of a systematic approach to policy learning, presenting a challenge in terms of accountability.
Subsequently, I delved into the reasons behind the spread of "bad" policies, identifying policymakers' reliance on an idealized policy cycle model and their disregard for cultural and political contexts as contributing factors. This discovery led me to conduct a second literature review on lobbying in the US and its influence on policy outcomes. While US-centric writings often overlooked the impact of lobbying, a comparison with other countries, such as the European Union and South Korea, revealed how lobbying could hinder the democratic policymaking process by monopolizing access to knowledge. These findings from the literature reviews indicated that the "State of the State" platform has the potential to contribute to the democratization of knowledge and facilitate evidence-informed policymaking in the US.
Summary of Collected Data and its Alignment with the Project
In addition to literature reviews, I conducted research on potential organizations that could partner with the "State of the State" platform to enhance its utility and effectiveness. Market research revealed a significant gap in efforts to establish a comprehensive "knowledge bank" for policymakers. Consequently, initiatives like the "State of the State" project assume the crucial role of providing policymakers with reliable and comprehensive knowledge and case studies. By offering objective insights and analyses, the State of the States aims to support evidence-informed decision-making. The systematic examination of case studies provided on the platform enables policymakers to gain a nuanced understanding of policy transfer dynamics, thereby fostering a more effective learning process and reducing the likelihood of the proliferation of flawed policies.
Integration with Wider Discourses/Literature
The "State of the State" project aligns with and contributes to the broader discourse on policy learning, transfer, and evidence-informed policymaking. Through the comprehensive literature reviews conducted, the project engages with the existing body of knowledge on policy diffusion, policy transfer, and the impact of lobbying. By highlighting the absence of a systematic approach to policy learning and the negative consequences of relying on an idealized policy cycle, the project enriches the discourse surrounding effective policymaking processes. Furthermore, the emphasis on democratizing knowledge and addressing the monopolization of information by lobbying groups contributes to ongoing discussions on enhancing the democratic nature of policymaking.