Technocratic and deliberative nexus in policy analysis: Learning from smart city planning in Chiang Mai, Thailand

ABSTRACT

Strengthened by rigorous developments in foundational principles and methods, the technocratic-vs-deliberative debate has long lapsed in policy analysis discourse. We attempt to remedy this debate by illustrating the case of Fah Ham smart city planning in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We argue that the assimilation of both technocratic and deliberative modes is feasible in policy analysis, which in turn makes policy-making process more productive. Utilizing participatory action research, we mainly observed and recorded the events. Certain assimilation points take place, which in gist, makes policy analysis successful. Embarking from the case’s illustration, it accentuates inclusivity should be safeguarded in policy analysis.

KEYWORDS:

• Technocratic orientation
• deliberation
• policy analysis
• public policy
• smart city

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the comments and suggestions of the two anonymous reviewers and editors of JAPP. Likewise, the authors appreciate the support of the School of Public Policy for the project and in conducting the study. Importantly, the main author is grateful for the help and assistance of the University of the Philippines System and the CMU Presidential Scholarship for his Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy program at the School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Noe John Joseph E. Sacramento

Noe John Joseph E. Sacramento is an assistant professor at the College of Social Sciences, University of the Philippines Cebu. He is also a Ph.D. in Public Policy candidate at the School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University, Thailand, under the CMU Presidential Scholarship. His research interest is on grassroots and people-centred issues in Philippine local politics, community governance and development, community advocacy, organizing and mobilization, and participatory public policy analysis.

Piyapong Boossabong

Piyapong Boossabong is an assistant professor at the Chiang Mai University School of Public Policy. His research interests include policy analysis in the Global South, deliberative approach, inclusive policy design, and critical governance studies. He has published in, amongst others, the following journals: Policy Studies, Critical Policy Studies, Comparative Policy Analysis, Deliberative Democracy, and City, Culture and Society. He authored several book chapters, including in Oxford Handbook, Routledge Handbook, and Elgar Handbook. He has also served as the co-editor of the Journal of Critical Policy Studies.