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Technocratic Decision-Making in Times of Crisis? The Use of Data for Scientific Policy Advice in Germany’s COVID-19 Management

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Listed:
  • Sabine Kuhlmann

    (University of Potsdam)

  • Jochen Franzke

    (University of Potsdam)

  • Benoît Paul Dumas

    (University of Potsdam)

Abstract

COVID-19 has demonstrated the importance of data for scientific policy advice. Mechanisms by which data is generated, shared, and ultimately lead to policy responses are crucial for enhancing transparency and legitimacy of decisions. At the same time, the volume, complexity and volatility of data are growing. Against this background, mechanisms, actors, and problems of data-driven scientific policy advice are analysed. The study reveals role conflicts, ambiguities, and tensions in the interaction between scientific advisors and policy-makers. The assumption of a technocratic model, promoted by well-established structures and functioning processes of data-driven government, cannot be confirmed. Reality largely corresponds to the pragmatic model, in parts also the decisionist model, albeit with dysfunctional characteristics.

Suggested Citation

  • Sabine Kuhlmann & Jochen Franzke & Benoît Paul Dumas, 2022. "Technocratic Decision-Making in Times of Crisis? The Use of Data for Scientific Policy Advice in Germany’s COVID-19 Management," Public Organization Review, Springer, vol. 22(2), pages 269-289, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:porgrv:v:22:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s11115-022-00635-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s11115-022-00635-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nataliia Sokolovska & Benedikt Fecher & Gert G. Wagner, 2019. "Communication on the Science-Policy Interface: An Overview of Conceptual Models," Publications, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-15, November.
    2. Schmidt, Christoph M., 2020. "Vorwärts mit Corona-Dashboard: Politische Entscheidungen auf Indikatorensystem zu Gesundheit, Wirtschaft und sozialen Aspekten basieren," RWI Positionen 77, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung.
    3. Johanna Schnabel & Yvonne Hegele, 2021. "Explaining Intergovernmental Coordination during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Responses in Australia, Canada, Germany, and Switzerland," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 51(4), pages 537-569.
    4. Ulrich Glogowsky & Emanuel Hansen & Simeon Schächtele, 2021. "How effective are social distancing policies? Evidence on the fight against COVID-19," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(9), pages 1-12, September.
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    6. Fritz Sager & Céline Mavrot & Markus Hinterleitner & David Kaufmann & Martin Grosjean & Thomas F. Stocker, 2020. "Utilization-focused scientific policy advice: a six-point checklist," Climate Policy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(10), pages 1336-1343, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Brinks, Verena & Ibert, Oliver, 2023. "Experts in crisis: The wide spectrum of advisors for coping with extreme events," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 92, pages 1-13.

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