Policy Cycle Framework

The Policy Cycle framework

The policy cycle provides a structured framework for understanding how Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) policies are developed, implemented, and evaluated.

It breaks the policymaking process into a series of interconnected steps, from problem identification and agenda-setting to formulation, implementation, and evaluation, and is designed to promote coherence, transparency, and evidence-informed decision-making.

Understanding and adopting the Policy Cycle framework in ECEC policymaking

Click on the markers added to the Policy cycle steps to learn more about each step and explore how evidence can be integrated at each step of the policy cycle to support policymaking.

Research plays a crucial role in clarifying problems, identifying effective reforms, guiding implementation, and assessing impact.

Your project may very well exclude one or two steps, or you may need to combine two steps into one.

Finally, you can review key insights gathered during the co-production process with local, national, and European education stakeholders on how best to utilise the policy cycle model in educational policymaking.

Explore the Policy Cycle

Alternate presentation of the Policy Cycle

1. Agenda Setting

Agenda setting

In this stage, new societal issues are identified and assessed to determine whether they require political or administrative action. When several issues emerge simultaneously, they may be evaluated together or prioritized based on urgency, public interest, or strategic relevance.

Role of research and data:
Scientific evidence, emerging research findings, systematic data analyses, and horizon/foresight‑scanning can aid in identifying existing or emerging issues of political relevance.

Formulation

The structure and strategic direction of the policy are developed in this stage. This includes defining goals, selecting instruments, considering possible economic or social impacts, and anticipating stakeholder reactions.

Role of research and data:
Science contributes through impact assessments and modelling that explore likely outcomes of different policy options. These analyses help compare scenarios, estimate costs and benefits, and identify the most effective and evidence‑based policy design.

Adoption

Once the appropriate approval (governmental, legislative, referendum voting etc.) is granted then a policy can be adopted.

Role of research and data:
Decision-makers frequently rely on independent scientific advisory bodies or external experts to validate, critique, or complement the evidence behind a proposal.

Neutral, research‑based advice increases transparency and supports informed political judgement.

Implementation

This stage translates policy intentions into concrete actions. It involves coordinating responsible actors, ensuring adequate resources and competencies, establishing administrative structures, and monitoring the rollout to ensure actions follow the intended plan.

Role of research and data:
Scientific advice can logistically support the policy being implemented. Researchers can support implementation by offering methodological guidance, developing operational tools, or designing monitoring frameworks. Data‑driven approaches can help practitioners track progress and troubleshoot challenges.

Evaluation

Evaluation assesses whether the policy has achieved its intended objectives. It examines outcomes, efficiency, unintended consequences, and long‑term effects. Evaluations may use quantitative, qualitative, or mixed‑methods approaches.

Role of research and data:
Scientists can contribute through evaluation studies – either independently or in collaboration with implementing authorities.

Support /Maintenance

This stage considers how the policy can be sustained, adjusted, expanded, or phased out. It addresses ongoing support needs, updates in response to new conditions, or termination if the policy becomes ineffective or redundant.

Role of research and data:
As conditions evolve, continuous access to updated evidence is valuable. Researchers may provide ad‑hoc scientific input, refreshed data, or new analyses to maintain relevance and guide iterative improvements in the policy over time.

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