How (and by whom) energy policy is really made: Insights from the Scottish political system

Abstract

In the energy research and social science community, our papers often state ambitions to influence energy policy. Sometimes we comment on fiscal levers, highlight areas of neglect, or identify social groups deserving of more attention. In other cases, we seek to advance or evaluate approaches, including methods for energy policy analysis to evaluate policy mix robustness, for instance. Our recommendations and claims often come alongside an indication of the recipients being “policymakers” or “decision-makers”, but who are these people, and where are our recommendations landing? Or, to ask the question central to this perspective directly, how and by whom is energy policy really made?

In response to this question, this perspective exposes challenges around and opportunities for academic engagement with policy. It is not theoretically grounded or literature-based, but a reflexive personal account which other authors might engage with and learn from. Drawing on experience from interactions with the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government, this perspective presents “lessons learnt, and insights gained”, offered coherently for those without a background in this area, with no direct experience of it, or an ambition to contribute. It reflects on: (1) who the experts are, (2) the size of policymaking teams, (3) processes for establishing priorities and targets, (4) the quick-slow pace of policy processes, and (5) timelines for evaluation and monitoring.

This perspective argues that to make energy policy impact, we need be precise; academics need to know exactly who we are talking to; and we need to know how the system works.