Lost in translation: questioning the role of European evaluations in environmental policy change.
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| Title: | Lost in translation: questioning the role of European evaluations in environmental policy change. |
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| Authors: | Valin, Nina1 (AUTHOR) n.z.valin@vu.nl, Huitema, Dave2 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Environmental Planning & Management. Sep2025, Vol. 68 Issue 11, p2545-2565. 21p. |
| Subjects: | Environmental policy, Transcoding, Reforms, Evaluation methodology, European Union, Water management, Policy analysis, Expertise |
| Abstract: | In the EU, evaluations are built into most modern laws, creating windows for policy feedback and new interpretations accounting for a constantly shifting society and environment. One issue often addressed by evaluators is whether a given policy should be retained in its original form, especially when new information is inconsistent and may upend former policy compromises. To what extent, then, are EU evaluations a legitimate opportunity for learning, adaptation and transformation? This article shows how evaluators engage in an activity known as transcoding, which involves translating expert knowledge into actionable recommendations to maintain a functioning policy system. Based on a study of the Water Framework Directive and its two evaluations – Water Blueprint (2012) and Fitness Check (2019) – we argue that transcoding has employed conflict-averse strategies, sidestepping difficult implementation dilemmas. Such strategies may have contributed to the development of lock-ins, that is, a persistence of the status quo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Engineering Source |
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| Abstract: | In the EU, evaluations are built into most modern laws, creating windows for policy feedback and new interpretations accounting for a constantly shifting society and environment. One issue often addressed by evaluators is whether a given policy should be retained in its original form, especially when new information is inconsistent and may upend former policy compromises. To what extent, then, are EU evaluations a legitimate opportunity for learning, adaptation and transformation? This article shows how evaluators engage in an activity known as transcoding, which involves translating expert knowledge into actionable recommendations to maintain a functioning policy system. Based on a study of the Water Framework Directive and its two evaluations – Water Blueprint (2012) and Fitness Check (2019) – we argue that transcoding has employed conflict-averse strategies, sidestepping difficult implementation dilemmas. Such strategies may have contributed to the development of lock-ins, that is, a persistence of the status quo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 09640568 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/09640568.2024.2317899 |
