The policy development process

The policy development process involves several stages and multiple actors who contribute to and drive
policy change. While the exact roles can vary depending on the political system, issue complexity, and context,
here are the key stakeholders involved in driving policy change:
1. Government and Politicians:
 Policy Initiators: Elected officials, government agencies, and ministers often propose new policies or
changes to existing ones based on their assessment of societal needs, political agendas, and expert advice.
 Policy Makers: Legislators and policymakers within government bodies’ draft, debate, and shape
policies through legislative processes, committee work, and negotiations.
2. Researchers and Experts:
 Academic and Research Institutions: Researchers and experts conduct studies, gather data, and provide
evidence-based recommendations that inform policy development.
 Think Tanks and NGOs: Non-governmental organizations and think tanks contribute research and
analysis on various issues, offering insights and perspectives to policymakers.
3. Civil Society and Advocacy Groups:
 Advocacy Organizations: NGOs, advocacy groups, and community organizations raise awareness about
specific issues, mobilize public support, and advocate for policy change.
 Grassroots Movements: Grassroots efforts can create significant momentum for policy change by
organizing protests, rallies, and campaigns that capture public attention.
4. Industry and Private Sector:
 Businesses and Trade Associations: Industry stakeholders may influence policy change through
lobbying, providing economic data, and proposing regulations that align with their interests.
 Chambers of Commerce: These organizations represent the collective interests of businesses and can
advocate for policies that support economic growth.
5. International Organizations and Donors:
 International Bodies: Organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, and World Trade
Organization can shape policy change through global recommendations, standards, and funding
mechanisms.
 Donor Agencies: International donors may provide funding for policy initiatives and attach conditions
that encourage specific policy reforms.
6. Media and Public Opinion:
 Media: Journalists and media outlets play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing
policymakers by covering policy issues, conducting investigations, and providing analysis.
 Public Perception: Public sentiment and reactions to policy proposals can influence politicians'
decisions, as elected officials are often responsive to their constituents' concerns.
7. Legal and Judicial Actors:
 Courts and Legal Experts: Legal challenges can lead to court decisions that impact existing policies or
require new policies to be developed to address legal issues.
8. Interest Groups and Coalitions:
 Alliances: Interest groups, stakeholders, and coalitions with shared goals can pool resources, expertise,
and influence to advocate for policy change more effectively.
9. Local Governments and Communities:
 Local Input: Local governments and communities can provide valuable input on policy needs and
impacts, especially when policies have regional implications.
10. Experts in Various Fields:
 Healthcare Professionals, Economists, Scientists: Depending on the nature of the policy, experts from
different fields can provide technical insights and recommendations.
1. Economic Factors:
 Economic conditions, trade dynamics, and financial considerations can prompt policymakers to
change policies to promote economic growth, stability, and welfare.
2. Technological Advances:
 Technological advancements can necessitate policy changes to regulate new technologies,
promote innovation, and address ethical concerns.
3. Crisis and Emergency Situations:
 Crises such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, or economic downturns can drive
policymakers to enact immediate policy changes to address urgent challenges.
4. Demographic Shifts and Social Changes:
 Changes in demographics, values, and social norms can lead to calls for policy adjustments to
reflect evolving societal dynamics.

In most cases, policy change is driven by a combination of these actors working together, with their
influence varying based on the specific issue, political context, and public sentiment. Successful policy
change often requires collaboration, negotiation, and effective communication among these
stakeholders throughout the policy development process.

Policy change is driven by a combination of various actors and factors, and the extent of their influence
can depend on the specific context, issue, and political environment. Here are some of the key drivers of
policy change:

5. Elected Officials and Government Leaders:

 Government leaders, such as heads of state, presidents, prime ministers, and cabinet members,
have the authority to propose and initiate policy changes. Their policy priorities and agendas can
shape the direction of policy change.
6. Political Parties:
 Political parties, especially those in power, play a significant role in shaping policies based on
their party platforms and ideologies. They often work to implement policies aligned with their
party's vision.
7. Public Opinion and Advocacy:
 Strong public demand and support for specific changes can exert pressure on policymakers to
take action. Advocacy campaigns, protests, and public mobilization can drive policymakers to
address certain issues.
8. Interest Groups and Lobbyists:
 Interest groups, representing various sectors like business, labor unions, environmental
organizations, and more, often lobby policymakers to influence policy decisions that align with
their interests.
9. Think Tanks and Experts:
 Experts, researchers, and think tanks provide evidence-based research, analysis, and
recommendations that can influence policy change by providing well-informed insights.
10. Media and Communication:
  Media coverage, investigative journalism, and public discourse can draw attention to specific
issues, influencing public opinion and pressuring policymakers to address concerns.
11. International Organizations and Treaties:
 International bodies like the United Nations and international treaties can drive policy change by
setting global standards and expectations that member countries need to adhere to.
12. Legal and Judicial Decisions:
 Court rulings, especially in cases related to constitutional matters or human rights, can
necessitate policy changes to comply with legal requirements.
13. Economic Factors:
 Economic conditions, trade dynamics, and financial considerations can prompt policymakers to
change policies to promote economic growth, stability, and welfare.
14. Technological Advances:
 Technological advancements can necessitate policy changes to regulate new technologies,
promote innovation, and address ethical concerns.
15. Crisis and Emergency Situations:
 Crises such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, or economic downturns can drive
policymakers to enact immediate policy changes to address urgent challenges.
16. Local Governments and Communities:
 Local governments and communities can influence policy changes at regional levels based on
their unique needs and challenges.
17. Demographic Shifts and Social Changes:
 Changes in demographics, values, and social norms can lead to calls for policy adjustments to
reflect evolving societal dynamics.

Overall, policy change is often a complex interplay of these and other factors, with different actors and
elements coming together to shape the direction and scope of policy reforms. The level of influence
each driver holds can vary based on the specific issue, political climate, and the collective will of
various stakeholders.

Who drives the policy change

Policy development process

Policy change can be driven by a combination of national governments, donors, and civil society, each
playing distinct but interconnected roles. The influence of each of these entities can vary based on the
specific context, issue, and dynamics of the society in question. Here's how each group contributes to
policy change:

National Governments: Governments have the authority and responsibility to formulate, implement,
and enforce policies that affect their citizens. They play a central role in driving policy change through
the following mechanisms:

1. Policy Initiation: Elected officials and government agencies initiate policy changes based on societal
needs, political agendas, and the well-being of citizens.
2. Legislation and Regulation: Governments draft and pass laws and regulations that shape the legal
framework of a country, driving policy changes in various sectors.
3. Resource Allocation: Governments allocate funds and resources to support policy changes and
initiatives that align with their priorities.
4. Public Services: Governments implement policies that provide essential services, such as healthcare,
education, and social welfare, influencing citizens' quality of life.
5. Accountability: Governments are accountable to their citizens, making them responsive to public
demands and pressures for policy change.

Donors and International Organizations: Donors and international organizations can influence policy
change in recipient countries through their financial support, expertise, and global standards:

1. Financial Support: Donors provide funding for development projects and programs, often tied to
policy changes that align with their development goals.
2. Technical Assistance: Donors offer technical expertise, training, and capacity-building to help
countries design and implement effective policies.
3. Conditionalities: Donors may attach conditions to financial aid, encouraging policy changes in areas
such as governance, economic reforms, and social programs.
4. Research and Recommendations: International organizations and think tanks provide research and
recommendations that inform policy discussions and decisions.
5. Global Standards: International organizations set global standards and guidelines that influence policy
changes in member countries.

Civil Society: Civil society encompasses a wide range of non-governmental organizations, community
groups, and individuals who collectively influence policy change through their active engagement:

1. Advocacy: Civil society organizations advocate for policy changes aligned with their missions, raising
awareness, mobilizing public support, and pressuring governments.
2. Public Awareness: Civil society raises public awareness about issues, generating momentum for policy
change through education, campaigns, and grassroots movements.
3. Monitoring and Accountability: Civil society monitors policy implementation, holding governments
accountable for their commitments and advocating for necessary adjustments.
4. Community Engagement: Grassroots movements and local organizations represent the interests and
needs of specific communities, influencing policies that directly affect them.
5. Innovation and Solutions: Civil society can propose innovative solutions and alternative policies
based on their expertise and on-the-ground experiences.

In practice, successful policy change often involves collaboration and interaction among these
stakeholders. National governments provide the regulatory framework and the political will to enact
change, while donors and international organizations offer resources, expertise, and global perspectives.
Civil society acts as a catalyst, advocating for change, raising awareness, and representing the voices of
marginalized communities. The synergy among these groups can lead to more informed, inclusive, and
effective policy change.