THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF ACADEMIC FREEDOM IN THE POLICY PROCESS

John Marshall Bryden and Klaus Mittenzwei

No 93945, 50th Annual Conference, Braunschweig, Germany, September 29-October 1, 2010 from German Association of Agricultural Economists (GEWISOLA)

Abstract: This paper discusses the role and importance of academic freedom in the policy process. By way of case studies, it is argued that academic freedom plays a crucial role in relation to the development of public policies. We discuss this matter within a framework that allows the understanding of the relationship between researchers and the intervening State, the corporate and non-government sectors with economic or social interests in any particular intervention, the media, and citizens. We apply the framework to recent cases that illustrate problems that have arisen. Moreover, we hypothesise that the problems have become more acute since the start of the era of privatisation and new public management with research agendas and targets often being increasingly set by policy makers. Finally, we draw some conclusions about the role of researchers and institutes in relation to agricultural and rural matters in modern democracies, arguing that freedom of speech and expression is an essential element in the policy role of researchers.

Keywords: Political Economy; Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 16
Date: 2010-09
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:gewi10:93945

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.93945

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