ABSTRACT
This chapter studies the relationship of policy analysis with bureaucratic capacity. It deals with a certain type of bureaucratic capacity, namely that related to policy analysis for policy formulation, and a specific type of analyst, the governmental policy analyst. The chapter reviews theoretical debates on the concept of policy analysis capacity and related terms. It underlines the relevance that policy analysis has for policymaking, and the variables that may affect its supply and demand. The chapter synthesizes information drawn from studies about policy analysis in five countries: Australia, Canada, Germany, Brazil and Mexico. Thereafter, it contrasts these cases against the theoretical insights of the first section. The chapter closes with some concluding remarks about policy analysis capacity as a concept and as a basis for conducting comparative research. It focuses on the study of governmental policy analytical capacity. Evidence-based policy analysis has limits and constitutes only one ingredient of overall state capacity.
