Research in Educational Policy: Local, National, and Global Perspectives

Governmental social and education spending accounts for about 25% of the GDP in OECD countries, compared to only about 8% in Asian countries. This book series aims to understand contrasting approaches to social and education policy at the local and national level across nations. The series welcomes analytical perspectives and methodological approaches in social sciences, policy studies, and field-based knowledge. We aim to reach a global audience and welcome proposals drawing on research in different countries. 

We will critically review initiatives in particular settings in quality-of-life initiatives, housing, education, anti-poverty and elderly support programs, old-age pension, and public health in terms of quality, accountability, equity, evidence-based decision-making, and innovation. This book series focuses on all aspects of the governmental role in social functions, including governance, policy design and implementation, resource allocation, accountability, innovation, and effects. We will examine the division of governmental responsibility between the national and subnational levels and theories and practice of cross-sector, public-private partnerships across different settings. What role do non-governmental stakeholders play in the decision-making process? How can organizational actors become engines of policy improvement and social progress? Why do some policies get implemented while others fail to reach the intended beneficiaries or clients? We invite researchers and practitioners to share their experience and perspectives in innovative strategies and policy instruments and tools. Equally important is to examine institutional venues to foster and sustain public participation in the decision-making process. Particularly interesting is to understand similarities and differences in social policy between decentralized and centralized systems.