This book explores how policy ideas are spread—or diffused—in an age in which policymaking has become increasingly complex and specialized. Using the concept of enterprise zones as a case study in policy diffusion, Karen Mossberger compares the process of their adoption in Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, New York, and Massachusetts over a twelve-year period.
Enterprise zones were first proposed by the Reagan administration as a supply-side effort to reenergize inner cities, and they were eventually embraced by liberals and conservatives alike. They are a compelling example of a policy idea that spread and evolved rapidly. Mossberger describes the information networks and decisionmaking processes in the five states, assessing whether enterprise zones spread opportunistically, as a mere fad, or whether well-informed deliberation preceded their adoption.
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction: Diffusion and Decision Making in Five States
Decision Making Models
Washington's Most Successful Nonprogram
Diffusion in the States: Old Wine in New Bottles?
Polydiffusion in an Intergovernmental Network
The Diffusion of a Policy Label
Informed Decision Making
A Decision-Making Continuum
Conclusion: Diffusion, Decision Making, and the Politics of Ideas
Postscript
Appendix 1. Methodology
Appendix 2. Legislative Questions
Appendix 3. Administrative Questions
Appendix 4. Washington Interviews
Appendix 5. Respondents
Chapter Notes
References
Index
Reviews
"This is, refreshingly, both a positive and a realistic policy story."—Australian Journal of Political Science
"Intriguing analysis . . . [this book] promises to reinvigorate research on policy diffusion and policy learning at the state and local level."—Susan E. Clarke, University of Colorado at Boulder
About the Author
Karen Mossberger is associate professor of public administration, University of Illinois at Chicago.
