Policy Diffusion and Innovation

In this chapter, we present the different dynamics through which public policies spread. Understanding the nature of diffusion helps students and scholars see where policy ideas come from and why policymakers adopt them. We offer an overview to orient readers toward different research traditions: policy transfer, diffusion, circulation, and mobilities. A series of organizing research principles is also presented. The "what diffuses" question notes that diffusion takes place across all stages of the policy process, with an emphasis on the flow of ideas, programs, and methodologies. The "where" question leads to a discussion of the contexts of diffusion, as well as of the actual impacts of policies and ideas that diffuse via several channels. The "who influences diffusion" question addresses the role of governments, NGOs, interest groups, advocacy coalitions, policy entrepreneurs, and many others in spreading policies. The "how" question raises the mechanisms behind policy diffusion, while also considering political power and resistance. The "when" question addresses the sequence, timing, tempo, and life cycle of the diffusion. The chapter concludes by briefly highlighting some potential avenues for future research and describing opportunities that exist to build bridges across divides within the policy diffusion community.