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ABSTRACT
The aim of this article is to examine the role played by ‘informal governance’ in shaping political innovation. Informal governance can be defined as a means of decision-making that is un-codified, non-institutional and where social relationships play crucial roles. This article explores the impact of informal governance on three dimensions of political innovation – innovations in polity (institutions), politics (process) and policy (outcomes). It argues that an analysis of informal governance is essential if we are to fully understand how political innovation occurs. Research evidence suggests that even when formal structures and procedures are weak political innovation can still thrive.
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Additional information
Notes on contributors
Sarah Ayres
Sarah Ayres is Reader in Public Policy and Governance at the University of Bristol. Her central research interest is the governance of place, space and territory. This core provides the basis for two main strands of work. First, her research is concerned with devolution and decentralisation in both a UK and an international context, with a particular emphasis on analysing intergovernmental relations between central government and local actors. Second, it has explored the role of partnership working and network management in the governance of territory.