Representative democracy rests on the capacity of political parties to drive policymaking. In recent decades parties' leading role has been challenged by the internationalization and professionalization of policymaking. This project studies factors that limit and enhance the policy impact of contemporary political parties. It specifically examines parties' policymaking resources, in relation to the resources of other policy actors (public administration, interest groups, etc.). Based in the Faculty of Management and Business at Tampere University, the study compares parties' efforts in three national contexts that varyingly support parties' role in policymaking (Finland, The Netherlands and the UK). Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study seeks to disentangle the complex policymaking context where various policy actors compete for influence.

2023

2027