Science for climate change policy-making: applying theory to practice to enhance effectiveness

Abstract

This paper reviews the major organizations that mediate interactions between the scientific community and climate change policy-making in Switzerland. Based on seven case studies that analyze the effectiveness of policy recommendations issued by the Advisory Body on Climate Change Research and Policy, the paper demonstrates the practical insights that can be gained by applying boundary organization and advocacy coalition framework theory to the design of such institutions. Better integration of the social and management sciences could improve the ability of the Advisory Body on Climate Change Research and Policy to perform hybrid management functions essential to integrate science more effectively into decision-making processes.