<scp>K</scp>ingdon's Multiple Streams Approach: What Is the Empirical Impact of this Universal Theory?

TLDR

Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Approach is a foundational policy theory, yet comprehensive empirical assessment of its impact remains limited. The study aims to evaluate the broader impact and usage trends of Kingdon’s MSA. The authors conduct an in‑depth analysis of representative studies and a comprehensive review of MSA‑inspired articles to categorize its impact. The analysis shows that MSA has both advanced evolutionary policy theories and stimulated a sizable empirical literature, yet most applications engage only superficially and the two contributions appear largely independent.

Abstract

While John Kingdon's Multiple Streams Approach (MSA) remains a key reference point in the public policy literature, few have attempted to assess MSA holistically. To assess its broader impact and trends in usage, we combine in‐depth analysis of representative studies, with comprehensive coverage of MSA‐inspired articles, to categorize its impact. We find that Kingdon's work makes two separate contributions. First, it has contributed to the development of “evolutionary” policy theories such as punctuated equilibrium. Second, it has prompted a large, dedicated, and often empirical, literature. However, most MSA empirical applications only engage with broader policy theory superficially. The two contributions are oddly independent of each other. We argue that these trends in application are due largely to its intuitive appeal and low “barrier to entry.” Drawing on other policy approaches, we offer suggestions to improve the MSA‐inspired literature.