Conceptualizing Epistemic Power: The Changing Relationship Between Economic Policy Paradigms and Academic Disciplines

Abstract The ways in which epistemic foundations of academic disciplines shape policy paradigms have been an understudied area. We illustrate such dynamics by focusing on paradigm shifts between economics and legal scholarship. Our case study focuses the evolution Finnish corporate tax 1991 2014 to illuminate complex diffusion through professions. First, 1993, was aligned with neoclassical ideas time a lawyer-driven process. Second, early 2000s, initiatives from EU OECD provided these lawyers new source for broadening their argumentation. Third, 2010s, disciplinary base shifted studies economics, coincided administrative reforms emphasizing quantitative impact assessments. These transformations completed shift scholarship design, paving way entrance economic theoretical arguments discussions. findings highlight five overlapping mutually reinforcing factors that knowledge production expert groups influence policy: (1) extent politicians rely expertise; (2) balance power evidence-based policy-making; (3) dominant on; (4) epistemological, ontological methodological mainstream within particular disciplines; and, (5) international organizations are seen as versus policy-driven authorities.