The Role of Public Policy Research Institutions in Policymaking in Tunisia

Co-Authors:

• Intissar Kherigi, Programmes Director, Jasmine Foundation for Research
• Dr. Khalil Amiri, Vice-President, Arab Governance Institute, Tunisia

Abstract:

Policymaking in Tunisia has traditionally been a closed process under the tight control of central government. Following the 2011 revolution, the policymaking space is opening up, with greater input by representative institutions, civil society and the public. This paper seeks to examine the changing role of public policy research institutes in the post-revolution policymaking process in Tunisia. Through interviews with state and independent policy research institutes, the paper identifies the key challenges facing these institutes and presents recommendations to strengthen their role in promoting
government accountability and transparency and breaking down the information asymmetry between the Tunisian administration and the public. Section One of the paper briefly reviews the tradition of public administration and policymaking in Tunisia. Section Two presents an analysis of the current role of research institutes in policymaking.
Section Three presents findings based on the semi-structured qualitative interviews with representatives of research institutes. Section Four presents recommendations to strengthen the capacity of policy research institutes to have a meaningful contribution to policymaking.