Public policy is a set of laws, regulations, and funding priorities set by governments at the national, state, and local levels. It is the process by which governments make decisions about how to allocate resources and address public problems. The role of public policy is changing in our present world in a number of ways. Some of the most significant changes include the increasing role of technology, the rise of populism, the increasing complexity of public problems, and the growing influence of special interests. Technology is changing the way that public policy is made and implemented. Governments are using different tools to engage with citizens and collect feedback on policy proposals. They are also using data analytics to identify and track trends and make more informed decisions.
Public problems are becoming more complex and interconnected. This is making it more difficult for governments to develop effective policy solutions. For example, climate change is a complex problem that requires coordinated action from governments around the world. Special interests are groups that have a vested interest in particular policy outcomes. They often lobby governments to enact policies that benefit their members. The growing influence of special interests can make it difficult for governments to act in the best interests of the public as a whole. As the world becomes more interconnected and complex, public policy will need to adapt to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Governments are responding to these challenges by using technology, promoting civic engagement, developing more collaborative policy-making processes, and increasing transparency and accountability. This course aims to enhance our understanding of public policy, challenges policymakers face and enable us not only to tackle these challenges but also to formulate such policies which enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of policymaking process and the social welfare.
