Introduction: The Determinants of Policy Change: Advancing the Debate

The issue of policy dynamics is a key one in policy studies and one which is particularly amenable to comparative policy research. Understanding how policies change and the conditions which facilitate or constrain such changes is required if policy managers are to effectively manage policy dynamics and, as such, is a key subject of interest to policy analysts. However, before comparative research can generate valid results, several key issues with respect to the definition, conceptualization and operationalization of policy change must be addressed.