Assessing the ‘forgotten fundamental’ in policy advisory systems research: Policy shops and the role(s) of core policy professionals

During the past 30 years, research on policy analytical capacity's multidimensional nature and evolution of advisory systems (PASs) has both increased knowledge these processes structures opened new avenues inquiry. While it is clear that changes in PASs many countries have occurred - featuring such as externalisation politicisation advice studies among roles played by core professionals provision lagged. One aspect this question concerns extent ‘forgotten fundamental’ related to how are arrayed within ‘policy shops’—that organisational units identified 1960s 1970s main home government. Whether or not shops changed from central-integrated model early and, if so, how, remain outstanding foundational questions. Recent Canada mapped distribution at central provincial level found more types analysts venues than earlier eras— which range ‘classical’ integrated agencies single-purpose line departments much 'distributed' patterns dealing with multiple complex controversial issues. Using Canadian data, study outlines development their government discusses implications for better understanding work, needs, systems. . Points practitioners ‘Policy professionals’ public employees specifically tasked analysis key players despite addition external internal actors recent years. How advisors organised government, whether they work clusters small groups, interact other civil servants policy-makers a determinant activities influence policy-making. In sciences, established ‘the shop’, relatively centrally located employing mainly analysts, These often enjoyed monopoly role However, organisations kept up relations outside governments impact had professionals. authors looking large province Ontario single type arrangement current era. This paper expands jurisdictions Canada, including federal develops two detailed case organisation smaller like Ministries Justice well larger omnibus Environment. The finds ‘distributed’ shops—in exist throughout agency—to be dominant cases all examined suggests now normal, replacing dominance older shop model. predominance distributed contributes fragmentation already underway due growth number consultants think tanks, ones political staffers.