ABSTRACT
Other chapters of this book have summarized the debate on the links between knowledge and public-policy making. They have also examined the role of “experts” and, in particular, that of academics. Hence it is useful simply to reiterate here that knowledge has gained importance in decision making during the last half century (Torgerson, 1986). It should also be stressed that in order to acquire information and analysis, governments have opted to include experts among their offi cials-including the establishment of in-house think tanks-and to create committees or commissions. Recently, they have turned increasingly to external experts, including academics, normally through consultancies or by commissioning research. The use of information, advice, analysis, and research in the decision-making process is both formal and informal.
