Enhancing the impact of public policy as an academic entity in Malta

Abstract

This article highlights the continued relevance of public policy, as an academic entity, across national and global settings. It suggests practical ways to enhance the impact of the discipline within the context of policy research and vertical-horizontal networking, identification of the nature and dimensions of existing social problems while ultimately addressing the ever-changing and complex needs of the citizens. It concludes that researchers from the discipline should move beyond theoretical postulations and embrace advocacy and activism to make governments remain focused by enhancing the quality and impact of policies and services.