Public Policy I – The Policy Making Process OUTLINE –What is public policy? –Who makes technology policy? Public officials Business –Policy options available to a government –Promotion of science and technology at federal level –Another perspective on technology policy

What is public policy? The actions taken, or not taken, by government to move to some condition which is perceived by decision-makers as being better than the existing condition (Carroll, 2003) Technology policy? Broader in terms of who makes the policy Narrower in terms of the content of the policy

Who makes technology policy? Public officials make policy, but… “…democratic ‘politics’ is merely the chaff…Prior to politics… is the underlying consensus that usually exists in the society among a predominant portion of politically active members” (Dahl, 1956) Those elected to public office are functionaries, they adapt to information and pressures from these sources (Lindblom and Woodhouse) Many people and social forces influence policy outcomes

Influences on government policy-makers Policy Makers Lobby groups Business Policies of other nations, municipalities, etc. Global Economics Policy Analysts / Experts Polls, focus groups, public opinion Media Other Influences? Examples? Personal self- interest?

Business and Technology Policy Many “technology policies” are made by corporate executives. Business determines the supply of technologies –Decide what kind of technologies are produced –Decide how technology is produced –Set directions for technological innovation

Business and Technology Policy (cont’d) Business influences the demand for technologies –Decide on the prices of products –Influence demand through advertising –Pay wages that allow consumers to purchase goods (e.g. Henry Ford) Influence the regulation of technology –Strong lobby –Fund political campaigns

Lindblom and Woodhouse suggest that “business executives often have strong incentives to act in ways that create certain classes of social problems when they can make a profit doing so.” (p.8) Questions: Do you agree with this statement? Examples? How does this set the agenda for government to “react” to the social problem?

Some policy options available to a government Distribute Table 1

Promotion of Science and Technology At the Federal Level 4 groups 1)General 2)Healthy 3)Wealthy 4)Wise Identify the policy shift and/or the new direction

Questions: Any overall observations and/or comments? Comments on the focus or the emphasis of the document? What are the values/ideologies present in the document? Statement from Auditor general: “a society that produces well-being and prosperity for its members can no longer treat [innovation] as an option.” Is the strategy here focused on innovation?

Another Perspective on Technology Policy The conventional division of labour Technologies that promote economic growth Laws / standards Human Life Society The Biosphere Increase wealth, but cause adverse impacts Mitigate adverse effects (but rarely get to the root of a problem) “Economy of technology” is separate from the “Ecology of technology”

The Alternative – Preventative technology policy Vanderburg suggests that a more proactive, integrated approach to technology development should be used Prevention approaches can be more cost effective Indicators of the economy are flawed –GDP ignores undesired outputs –An alternative: Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI)

Examples of Preventative Approaches German auto industry is beginning to design cars for the entire lifecycle German legislation toward packaging White goods industry is beginning to design for disassembly and reabsorption of materials

Preventative Policy Options Distribute “Table 3” Shows how the “conventional” policy measures in “Table 1” can be used to encourage a “preventative” strategy for technology

Resources: Braun, E., Government policies for the stimulation of technological innovation, working paper WP-80-10, IIASA, Laxenburg, January. Lindblom, C. E. and E. J. Woodhouse. The Challenges Facing Policy Making. (on reserve at Mills) Lindblom, C. E. and E. J. Woodhouse. Making the most of analysis. (on reserve at Mills) Howlett, M Chapter 10 - Policy Development. In The Handbook of Canadian Public Administration. C. Dunn (ed.). Oxford University Press: Don Mills, ON. NABST, Healthy, Wealthy and Wise: A Framework for an Integrated Federal Science and Technology Strategy. National Advisory Board on Science and Technology. June 6. Vanderburg, W The Labyrinth of Technology. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. (on reserve at Thode)