Policymakers' norms on knowledge: Credibility, reliability, and holism

Abstract

In this chapter, we draw on new institutionalism to examine how norms frame knowledge in Finland–European Union higher education institutions and the subsequent policymaking network. We analyse 45 policymaker interviews using qualitative content analysis. Politicians', officials', and stakeholders' conceptualisations of knowledge are diverse and fluid, and they exhibit role-specific articulations of shared norms. We identify three norms: the first sees the credibility of knowledge as dependent on the degree of trustworthiness of the people or organisations in the network. The second is related to the reliability of the source of knowledge, meaning that knowledge is evaluated based on whose interests or agenda it supports. The third is related to holism: knowledge is to be formed in discussions with others and needs to consider a multitude of sources and perspectives. These norms support certain actors and knowledge, making them privileged and institutionally recognised.