Learning from exposure to dynamics of policy and practice: Assessment of
policy capacity for innovative governance that nurtures socio-political
transformations
Abstract
Southern African countries increasingly recognize that long-term growth
and productivity challenges are tightly related to the capacity to
innovate and to introduce new products, processes, services, and
organizational routines in policy practice. This research assessed
policy capacity for innovative governance as practices that aim to
satisfy socio-political transformations. It is based on original data
collected through a comprehensive survey of 30 purposively selected
senior policy managers working within the region as provincial and
national policy managers. These officials were strategically situated to
assess and reflect upon the capacity for innovative governance in their
areas of jurisdiction. The findings appear to show that Southern African
countries are affected by the government overload challenges,
bureaucracy bashing, public skepticism about the role of government;
deplorable state of support for public policy infrastructure, and
others. The research thus concludes that innovative approaches are
needed to satisfy socio-political transformations. The research
recommends rethinking the economic, social, and environmental
sustainability of current policy and practice models and implores
countries to embrace a collective reflection on finding new sources of
growth for supporting a transition towards stronger, cleaner, and fairer
economies.