Policy diffusion, transfer, and circulation: Making sense of Impact Bonds' spread
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For our third Research Forum meeting, we were joined by Professor Giulio Pasi. Focusing on both conceptual and methodological aspects of his work, Giulio presented a preliminary approach to the following question: why have Impact Bonds spread so fast across such different political and institutional contexts?
The Government Outcomes Lab Research Forum is a gathering of researchers whose work engages with, or relates to, outcomes-based approaches to public service provision. Bi-monthly (once every two months), the Forum will host a guest speaker to present an aspect of their research, or talk through a particular issue that is currently influencing their work.
Themes of interest to the Forum include:
- Outcomes-based approaches to public service provision including social outcomes contracting
- Cross-sector partnerships in the pursuit of policy goals
- Stewardship of mixed economies of public service delivery (outsourcing, voluntary sector involvement, place-based working)
We aim to reflect the full breadth that these topics entail, as well as issues relating to research process and methodology. We therefore welcome empirical content from different locations around the world, as well as theoretical discussions covering the various conceptual frameworks through which efforts to improve social outcomes can be interpreted and understood.
The sessions are intended to be informal in nature, allowing for free-flowing discussion, the testing of ideas among peers, and wrestling with the challenges of interdisciplinary work in this space. It therefore provides an arena for researchers away from the demands of having a polished ‘policy message’ or published paper. In doing so, we hope to develop a scholarly network that will enrich our research, disseminate ideas, and foster collaboration across institutions.
What to expect
Forum meetings are one hour long, and are held online on the last Friday of every other month. They are free to attend, and anyone who is interested is welcome to join. The target audience is principally researchers, however, and these sessions will particularly appeal to members of academic institutions, consultancies, and/or think tanks, whose work relates to the above outlined themes.
If you are interested in presenting at the Forum please contact Dr Eleanor Carter, Research Director at the Government Outcomes Lab.
Session overview
Giulio Pasi is a Scientific Officer and Policy Advisor at the European Commission, and Associate Professor at Loyola University Andalusia. He presented some aspects of his current research agenda, which considers reasons behind the rapid spread of Impact Bonds across different political and institutional contexts. Participants had the chance to respond to and question Professor Pasi about this work, particularly regarding his methodological approach.