Translations between academic knowledge and practice

When implementing policy ideas and reforms, local actors draw on multiple forms of knowledge to change or maintain practices. Susanne Boch Waldorff reflects on her research into the complex work undertaken by politicians, managers, professionals, and researchers as they strive to develop meaningful practices and create public value. Drawing on debates within public management and institutional theory, she argues that policy implementation is not only about the vision, but also—crucially—how ideas are translated and embedded within an institutional context where certain solutions and voices are perceived as more legitimate than others. Susanne points to avenues for future research that explore how policy is designed in the first place—particularly how social science research on implementation and organizational change may (or may not) influence the development of applicable policies. In parallel, Susanne highlights the importance of working strategically with translations between research-based insights and practitioners’ own organizations, such as executive education as a key arena for exchanging and developing knowledge on public sector challenges.

Biography

Susanne Boch Waldorff is Professor of Organization and Impact at the Department of Organization at Copenhagen Business School. She also serves as Associate Dean for the Master of Public Governance. In her work, Susanne applies institutional theory to explore the interrelationships between organizations and their broader societal context. Much of her research focuses on public sector governance, organizational change, collaboration, professions, and the creation of public value.

Preliminary Program:

Welcome by Head of Department, Carsten Greve

Speech by Deputy President of CBS Inger Askehave

Inaugural lecture by Susanne Boch Waldorff.

Reception with snacks and beverages by the IOA kitchen at the 4^th floor in Kilen