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Case Studies
About this Series
The Columbia | SIPA Global Case Studies Series in Public Policy demonstrates the School’s long-standing commitment to the development of real-world solutions that draw on rigorous analysis, practical implementation strategies, sensitivity to local contexts, and knowledge of global influences and trends. For decades the faculty, students, and alumni of the School have undertaken research and projects that bridge the academy and the world of practice, drawing on both global and local resources to create cutting-edge solutions. The Global Case Studies Series in Public Policy will expand on that tradition, creating detailed studies of some of the most notable successes and failures in public policy. These studies will explore public policy challenges in a broad variety of contexts, both in New York City, one of the most dynamic public policy laboratories in the world, and around the globe.
The studies in this series will explore a number of themes:
Multi-layered governance: The complex relationship between national, regional, and local authorities in the creation and implementation of successful public policy is a common issue faced by decision makers around the globe. In the United States, the designers of policy at the federal level often rely on local authorities to implement policy, and local authorities often find their options shaped by federal decisions. Balancing the interests of international, national, regional, and local authorities and creating the right governance structures is at the core of some of the most innovative solutions to our most pressing global policy challenges. This is a central theme in this series.
Coordination of the public, private, and nonprofit sectors: This series also examines the importance of designing policies that draw on the ideas and innovations of the public, private, and civil sectors of society. Successful policy implementation does not treat the public, businesses, NGOs, and interest groups in general as external influences to be managed by government. For policy to be successful it requires a process that engages all sectors at the outset. Government must identify the best approach to implementation and have in place a capacity for oversight and accountability.
Global influences on local policy: This series will examine the ways in which policy knowledge and innovation are more rapidly transferring from one context to another. By examining and publicly disseminating policy innovations, it seeks to promote global sharing of that local knowledge.