title: Policy Capacity Is Necessary but Not Sufficient Comment on "Health Reform Requires Policy Capacity".
abstract: Policy capacity focuses on the managerial and organizational abilities to inform policy decisions with sound research and analysis, and facilitate policy implementation with operational efficiency. It stems from a view of the policy process that is rational and positivistic, in which optimal policy choices can be identified, selected, and implemented with objectivity. By itself, however, policy capacity neglects the political aspects of policy-making that can dominate the process, even in health policies. These technical capabilities are certainly needed to advance reforms in health policies, but they are not sufficient. Instead, they must be complemented with public engagement and policy advocacy to ensure support from the public that policies are meant to serve.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Affairs & Civic Engagement, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Sheldon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gen
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Amy Conley
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D057191:Capacity Building; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D011050:Policy Making; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care
keywords: Policy Advocacy; Policy Analysis; Policy Capacity; Public Engagement