Title: Negotiated Agreements as a vehicle for Policy Learning

Authors: Peter Stigson, Erik Dotzauer, Jinyue Yan

Addresses: School of Sustainable Development of Society and Technology, Malardalen University, P.O. Box 883, SE-721 23 Vasteras, Sweden. ' School of Sustainable Development of Society and Technology, Malardalen University, P.O. Box 883, SE-721 23 Vasteras, Sweden. ' School of Sustainable Development of Society and Technology, Malardalen University, P.O. Box 883, SE-721 23 Vasteras, Sweden; and KTH – Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden

Abstract: The paper evaluates to which extent that different designs of Voluntary Agreements (VAs) can work as catalysts for Policy Learning (PL) and thus contribute to improved policy design and management processes. Through a literature study, it is found that VAs in the form of Negotiated Agreements (NAs) are more successful in promoting PL than other types of VAs that have less focus on the participatory aspect of the policy processes. The paper contributes to the existing VA policy literature through highlighting the predominately overseen learning values of implementing NA as well as providing policy recommendations on VA learning processes.

Keywords: voluntary agreements; negotiated agreements; policy learning; participatory policy making; climate policy; policy design; policy management; dialogue; policy cycle; global warming.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGW.2010.033716

International Journal of Global Warming, 2010 Vol.2 No.2, pp.97 - 117

Received: 10 Feb 2010
Accepted: 11 Feb 2010
Published online: 29 Jun 2010 *

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