Introduction

Since the 1960s policy analysis has developed as a sub-discipline of political science in Germany. In this development, a specific dualism between academic and applied policy analysis can be observed (see Chapter 1, this volume), although next to the explanation of policies, political advice forms the second general field of policy analysis. And while we have basic knowledge of policy analysis in academia, less is known about its development and characteristics in practice. In particular, the occupational areas for applied policy analysts have not yet been clearly identified. It is therefore important to ask what the status quo of policy analysis – in terms of its professionalisation – is, and whether the assumption of dualism between academic and applied policy analysis can be confirmed in this respect. The explorative results of this chapter also support the assumption of a German dualism between academic and applied policy analysis in terms of professionalisation: while it is on the way in academia, it is faraway in practice (yet).

The chapter is structured as follows. In the next section, a short synopsis on the development of policy analysis in Germany and on the reasons for the specific dualism between academic and applied policy analysis is given. Two different aspects of ‘professionalisation’ are subsequently studied. After examining how universities prepare future policy analysts, occupational areas and working modes of academic and applied policy analysts are analysed. The chapter ends with a conclusion and an outlook for additional research needs.

Academic and applied policy analysis

There are two general fields of policy analysis. On the one hand, analysis focuses on explaining the development and change of policies, and on the other, it aims at providing political advice about policy solutions and the policy process (Windhoff-Héritier, 1987, p 115). In general, policy research deals with the question of ‘what governments do, why they do it, and what difference it makes’ (Dye, 1976, p 2). This rather narrow definition, however, with its governmental focus, should be extended to policy-making in the administrative sector and civil society. Policy analysis is thereby understood as research on policy-making, which takes ‘policy’ as its dependent variable, while ‘polity’ and ‘politics’ may be drawn on as independent variables. Policy analysts try to explain (political) outputs, to examine the conditions of decision-making and, finally, to improve policy outcomes.