Policy Implementation: Conceptual Foundations, Accumulated Wisdom and New Directions

Abstract

Progressive development is an interest of every country. Advancement in development is an indicator of successful policy implementation. However, some authors claim it’s a concept of “yesterday”. Policy implementation until now lacks an integrated theoretical foundation and guidance for success which partly contributes to misguided, uncertain, ineffective and retrogressive policy implementation practice especially in the developing world. Little attention has been put on policy implementation effectiveness. This article traces the policy implementation concept and project new directions for its more rewarding furtherance. Contributions towards policy implementation research and practice should be relevant to its contemporary generation. Using reviewed literature, this article traces the historical, methodological and practical development of policy implementation. It suggests that the third generation paradigm may exploit advances in implementation science. Networks, governance, and internationalization are sectors and resources that can progress policy implementation towards focused relevance and enhanced contribution towards sustainable development.