How do cities approach policy innovation and policy learning? Lessons from Europe

This paper reports on findings of an investigation of how large cities in Northern Europe approach the introduction of new policies. The findings are developed from a literature review and field visits to seven European cities which involved interviews with more than 20 officers or ex-officers, consultants and transport providers. The findings suggest that the search for new policy ideas is ad-hoc and unsystematic. The authorities take quite different approaches to learning from other cities which seem to reflect quite different organizational learning cultures. This is important as it appears that interaction between practitioners is more effective in transferring experience than publications and good practice guides. Although awareness of alternative policy options appears quite high, local institutional structures and culture remain critical in determining what is seen to be feasible and appropriate back ‘at home’. We identify implications for the DfT in encouraging innovation in local transport and for authorities (and consultancies) in maximising the opportunities available.