Evidence-Based Policy and Mixed Economy in Australia

Abstract

This paper examines the nature of evidence-based policy and explains how the ethic can be applied to improve the position of the firm in the mixed economy. Government participates in the mixed economy in several imposing ways. Indeed, government is very much the ‘elephant in the marketplace’ to be understood and effectively managed by the firm. However, the firm can better its position by consistently applying an evidenced-based approach when dealing with government. Evidencebased policy practitioners purport to rely upon the empirical and ‘scientific’ rather than a priori arguments for policy setting. Where evidence is available, this should form the basis of petitioning government. If not available, then heuristic positions may be put, but only if arrived at through empirical rather than a priori means. The conclusion is that it is not so much what the firm says to government, but how it is said. Working consistently from within an evidence-based paradigm means the firm is more easily understood and, importantly, can positively influence decision-making to benefit the firm with effects lasting well beyond short-term political or news cycle.