Expert knowledge and social innovation: analysing policy debates in Japan

Abstract

Expert knowledge is considered fundamental in the policymaking process, especially when considering multidimensional phenomena such as social innovation. However, the positioning of experts in the policy debate still deserves a thorough investigation. By using Japan as case study and applying Discourse Network Analysis to the debates occurred in the Japanese National Diet (2017–2021), this study investigates the presence of discourse factions and the positioning of experts in these factions. Results show that factions exist but there is not a strong polarisation in the arena; moreover, experts do not just support neoliberal policies, they also encourage bottom-up initiatives.