Measurement and Characterisation of Energy Policy Change Over Time Case-study of UK Electricity Policy

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Ph.D in Public Policy, Edinburgh University

2 Assistant Professor in public policy, Sharif Policy Research Institute

3 PhD candidate in Technology Management, Iran Science & Technology University

Abstract

By empirical analysis of the extent and aspects of UK electricity policy change over more than a decade, the present article attempts to develop a theoretical framework for policy change characterisation and measurement. Based on Hall’s (1993), components of policy paradigm, objectives, institutions, instruments and technology preference (socio-technical configuration) were chosen as the theoretical framework.
The research is of qualitative methodology and case-study design, utilising semi-structured interviews, survey and secondary studies during 2000-2012.
The results showed that despite common belief on fundamental changes of the policies, UK electricity policy has not been completely changed in two components: policy paradigm which still depicts an ambivalence between market paradigm and state interventionism, and the socio-technical configuration which is yet locked as centralised and large-scale in hand of the Big Six. The framework could benefit analysis of Iran’s energy policy changes to yield a comprehensive and analytical view.

Keywords


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