Policy Analytical Capacity Inside and Outside of Government: A Case Study of Colorado Climate and Energy Issues
Abstract
This paper examines the policy analytical capacity
of government compared to the non-profit and private sectors
and to the research/academic community. Based on
original data from a 2011 questionnaire administered to
policy actors in the context of energy and climate issues in
the state of Colorado, the findings show that government is
not as “hollowed out” as expected. While individuals from
academia and consulting firms may have higher analytical
capacity than government in conducting research, government
is higher across most other measures. Nonetheless,
nearly all respondents agree that government needs higher
levels of policy analytical capacity to address climate and
energy issues.
of government compared to the non-profit and private sectors
and to the research/academic community. Based on
original data from a 2011 questionnaire administered to
policy actors in the context of energy and climate issues in
the state of Colorado, the findings show that government is
not as “hollowed out” as expected. While individuals from
academia and consulting firms may have higher analytical
capacity than government in conducting research, government
is higher across most other measures. Nonetheless,
nearly all respondents agree that government needs higher
levels of policy analytical capacity to address climate and
energy issues.