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New paradigms in public policy

This project reviews some particularly difficult issues in public policy and makes suggestions as to why and how concepts should be adapted, reformed or reinvented.
Project status
Closed for applications

This project reviews some particularly difficult issues in public policy: climate change, multiculturalism, recession and recovery, population ageing, neighbourhood problems and the Third Sector, rebuilding democratic engagement and managing the demands of an increasingly assertive public. The series reviews current understanding of the issues, situated within academic theory-building, and discusses possible ways forward.


Working group:


  • Peter Taylor–Gooby FBA

  • Andrew Gamble FBA

  • Ian Gough

  • Tariq Modood FBA

  • Anne Power

  • Gerry Stoker

  • Pat Thane FBA

Email: [email protected]

Project outcomes

Economic futures

Professor Andrew Gamble FBA

This report argues that the social sciences, specifically political economy, cannot predict exact future events but can offer value to policymakers by alerting them to a range of potential policies that are available, and by encouraging a deeper debate.

Climate change and public policy futures

Professor Ian Gough

This report reviews current approaches to climate change and suggests that policy reversals and changes will be necessary to pursue 'green growth'.

Squaring the public policy circle: managing a mismatch between demands and resources

Professor Peter Taylor-Gooby FBA

This report discusses the current insistence of pressures to cut back highly valued services risks a further decline of trust in politicians.

Building a new politics?

Gerry Stoker

This report argues that policymakers need to tackle the political malaise suffered by the average UK citizen.

Post-immigration 'difference' and integration. The case of Muslims in Western Europe

Professor Tariq Modood FBA

This report presents four different options for integration and equality of opportunity for all citizens.

Demographic futures

Professor Pat Thane FBA

This report discusses the issue of the ageing population in the UK and suggests that policymakers need to recognise the diversity of older groups and to plan more positively in integrating older people into work and social life.

The 'Big Society' and concentrated neighbourhood problems

Anne Power

This report sets out its history in the mutuals and cooperatives formed to combat the devastating effects of 19th century industrialisation, and 1960s and 70s movements such as the American ‘Great Society’ and the UK Community Development Projects.

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