Policy Network

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Policy Network is an international think tank based in London devoted to progressive centre-left policy reform. It was established in December 2000 with the support of heads of government including Tony Blair, Bill Clinton, Gerhard Schröder, and Giuliano Amato.

Policy Network's objective is to develop and promote a modern progressive agenda based upon the ideas and experiences of social democratic modernizers. They argue that in order to meet challenges of globalisation, the centre-left needs to embark on a process of 'permanent renewal'.

Although primarily concerned with Europe, the think tank works with democratic governments across the world. It provides a forum for politicians, policy makers and experts to debate and share ideas for the development of the centre-left agenda.

Over recent years Policy Network has focused on areas such as economic reform, migration and integration, the environment, progressive government and the future of social democracy.

One of its more prominent projects concerns the European Social Model. The objective of this research project was to investigate the means by which Europe's various models for welfare states can be adapted to meet 21st century challenges. Policy Network works closely with other centre-left think tanks on such initiatives, holding seminars and national discussion sessions across Europe.

EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson is the Honorary Chair of Policy Network, and Patrick Diamond is the Director. Patrick Diamond is a former special advisor in the UK Prime Minister's Strategy Unit. Anthony Giddens, former director of the London School of Economics and author of The Third Way (1998), is a regular contributor to Policy Network research and publications.

1 Progressive Governance Network
2 Publications
3 Partner Think-Tanks
4 External links

[edit] Progressive Governance Network

Policy Network also acts as a secretariat for the Progressive Governance Network, a group of centre-left leaders and experts from across the world which meet together on a regular basis. Policy Network prepared and co-organised the last Progressive Governance Summit in Hammanskraal, South Africa from 11-12 February 2006. The next Progressive Governance Conference is due in 2007.

[edit] Publications

Giddens, Anthony, Patrick Diamond and Roger Liddle (eds.) 2007. Global Europe, Social Europe. Cambridge: Polity Press.
Policy Network. 2006. The Hampton Court Agenda: A Social Model for Europe.
Diamond, Patrick. 2006. Conundrums of Reform: efficiency, public virtue and the delivery of world-class public services. Policy Network.
Murphy, Jim. 2006. Social Mobility and Public Service Reform. Policy Network.
Browne, Matt and Patrick Diamond (eds.) 2003. Rethinking Social Democracy. Policy Network.
Progressive Politics Journal.