Advisory Systems for Public Policy Makers

Abstract

There is no shortage of policy advice (PA) these days in most OECD capitals, neither in quantity or form, nor origin or monetary value. The article explores the changing landscape of the supply of policy advice, the demand for advice by governments and the multiple layers of the advisory process. It does so against the background of the increasing complexity of policy challenges: More informed, better connected, agile and critical citizens who are demanding responsiveness, quality, as well as transparency and integrity from their representatives; and the fast expanding inter- and supra national policy environment.It argues for the need to establish standards to help ensure the quality of policy advice, the transparency of the advisory services universe, and the minimization of downward risks associated with undue impact of policy advice. A tight and well defined framework for policy advice can be an effective instrument to (re)-build trust in policy advice, for the benefit of suppliers, customers and citizens.