LIST OF PANELS

The Multiple Streams Framework: Theoretical refinements and empirical applications

Since John W. Kingdon published his seminal book Agendas, Alternatives, and Public Policies in 1984, researchers applied the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) extensively and at an increasing rate over time. However, since the mid-2010s, the way researchers use the framework has started to change. Whereas earlier MSF applications were only cursory or just referred to single key elements, an increasing share of the academic debate now focuses on how to refine the framework theoretically and how to apply it fully in different settings, covering various stages of the policy process and using different methods. The panel aims at promoting this more recent research practice by focusing on papers that contribute to any or a combination of the following aspects:

(1) Furthering the framework‘s theoretical and definitional refinement

Researchers must define and operationalize precisely the framework’s key elements and hypotheses (e.g., how do we capture empirically whether the political stream is ready for coupling?). But there are still aspects that have not yet received proper scholarly attention, such as how particular institutional configurations alter, confirm, or refute the elements, logic, or hypotheses of the MSF, especially in applications that go beyond agenda-setting.

(2) Conducting systematic empirical analyses

MSF research has produced several hypotheses. However, systematic tests of these hypotheses are still pending. Therefore, the panel seeks to stimulate the testing of existing or newly derived MSF hypotheses.

(3) Complementing qualitative with quantitative techniques

The overwhelming majority of MSF applications are case studies. Only a few contributions have addressed the question of how to test the framework quantitatively. We welcome quantitative applications that move forward the academic debate on medium-to-large N research.

(4) Adapting and applying the MSF beyond traditional applications in developed country environments

Because Kingdon derived the MSF from agenda-setting processes at the federal level in the United States, transferring it to developing countries or nondemocratic regimes requires theoretical adaptations and possible modifications. We welcome proposals that apply the framework to policymaking in developing countries or go beyond the nation-state level, such as the European Union or international organizations.

Papers applying the MSF are welcome in this panel, in particular, if they contribute to any or a combination of the following aspects: (1) Furthering the framework’s theoretical and definitional refinement; (2) conducting systematic empirical analysis; (3) completing qualitative with quantitative techniques; (4) adapting and applying the MSF beyond traditional applications in developed country environments (see panel description for more details). This list is merely indicative, papers on other topics that equally aim at advancing the academic debate on MSF, are also welcome.