Policy research between the accumulation and implementation of knowledge

An important issue in the development of the field of applied research methodology is the increasing diversity of research questions, methodologies, and types of utilization. This is reflected in the fact that policy research is directed toward the analysis of social problems as well as designing and implementing policy strategies. In this context, different types of knowledge are produced in policy research (e.g., problem diagnosis, evaluation research, futures research). Moreover, policy research employs both qualitative and quantitative scientific approaches, as well as different implementation strategies of knowledge utilization. This article provides an overview of the most important developments in this area in The Netherlands during the past decade. This paper is a translation of “Beleidsonderzoek in het Spanningsveld tussen Kennisvergaring en Kennistoe passing: Ontwerpen van Toegepast Onderzoek,” by J. Hutjes. InSociologisch en Antropologisch Jaarboek, C. J. M. Corver, and M. Elchardus (Eds.), pp. 133–167, 1989.