Advocacy Coalition Framework
-den . Primarily , as long as studies do not clearly operationalize the core elements of the framework , including coordination within coalitions and coalition opportunity structures , it is difficult to assess the framework ’ s bounds of applicability .
In summary , empirical applications of the ACF in cases of Swedish policy processes give a somewhat mixed picture regarding the “ portability ” of the ACF to Swedish policy processes . On the one hand , many studies apply the ACF ’ s concepts and assumptions to structure analyses of different aspects of policy processes in Sweden , including advocacy coalition formation , learning , and policy change . These studies provide evidence confirming the usefulness of the ACF as a theoretical lens for simplifying and understanding how policy actors organize themselves to gain influence , what factors and events shape policy change , and the role of learning in the policy process . On the other hand , the fact that about one-third of the applications reviewed here propose suggestions for revision and specification is an important reminder that there are areas where scholars question the validity of the framework , or at least struggle to translate some of its key concepts and assumptions into the realm of Swedish policymaking . In our view , these strengths and weaknesses encourage more conceptual and empirical work on the ACF in Sweden , possibly in conjunction with supplementary or competing theories and frameworks , to advance our understanding of the policy process . Such studies will be important to assess in what issues or aspects the ACF may fall short as a theoretical lens and to help identify viable theoretical alternatives .
Conclusion
This review of applications of the advocacy coalition framework ( ACF ) in Sweden explores ( i ) how the ACF may contribute to knowledge about Swedish policy processes and ( ii ) if and how application of the ACF in Sweden might suggest refinement and specification of the ACF . We compiled a dataset of case studies in Sweden , which we coded to assess the frequency of ACF applications , their substantive focus , areas of theoretical emphasis , research methods , and recommendations for theoretical revision . The results confirm that the ACF has received growing attention in Sweden . We identified an initial sample of 50 case studies from which we determined 25 complete applications for coding . Most studies included cases of energy and environmental policy , while cases involving social policies were less common . The most commonly tested set of assumptions involved advocacy coalitions and policy change , while learning attracted less attention . We conclude this study by identifying four areas for which future research is particularly warranted to support theory testing and development within the ACF . Although these areas are derived specifically from our review of policy processes in Sweden , they could apply in any coutry .
First , in order to examine the role of advocacy coalitions as a form of political organization in policymaking — including what importance actors attribute to coalition membership as a means to gain influence and what role coalitions have in influencing policy processes — future studies are needed to empirically explore how coalition members overcome threats to collective action and engage in coordination . Here , scholars can draw on prior ACF
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