A critical assessment of the wicked problem concept: relevance and usefulness for policy science and practice

Abstract

The concept of wicked problems has served as an inspiration for research in a variety of research fields but has also contributed to conceptual confusion through the various ways in which it has been defined and used. In this special issue, a number of ontological, theoretical and methodological issues are discussed. First, while its use as a buzzword has undermined precise conceptual definition, recent work goes beyond the wicked versus tame dichotomy and conceptualizes wickedness as a matter of degree, differentiates between dimensions of wickedness and emphasizes the relational character of problem definitions. Second, new and existing governance approaches have often been unproblematically proposed as ways to solve wicked problems, while only imperfect solutions, partial solutions or small wins are achievable in practice. Third, the concept of wicked problems has had little direct impact on policy theories, and while some argue that the analysis of wicked problems should be mainstreamed in public policy thinking, others propose to reject the concept and rely on existing policy theories. Fourth, as a concept used in policy practice, wicked problems tend to provoke either paralysis or an overestimation of what policy can do about wicked problems. Possible ways forward include (1) leaving the concept behind; (2) using the wicked problems literature as knowledge base to understand when and why policy and governance approaches fail; and (3) developing dimensions of wicked problems (i.e. conflict, complexity and uncertainty) into more analytically precise research tools and linking them with more closely with contemporary policy science developments.

The agricultural policy trilemma: On the wicked nature of agricultural policy making

“… Peters (2017) argues that the use of the term is subject to ‘conceptual stretching’, in that many use the concept of policy challenges that are problematic, but do not really meet the criteria described by the original model. Termeer et al (2019) write that the term tends to lead to either paralysis or an excessive belief in what to do with a wicked problem. They further suggest that one can move further in the field by developing more analytically precise concepts ( Termeer et al, 2019 , p. 167).…”

“… Termeer et al (2019) write that the term tends to lead to either paralysis or an excessive belief in what to do with a wicked problem. They further suggest that one can move further in the field by developing more analytically precise concepts ( Termeer et al, 2019 , p. 167). This article is an attempt to do exactly that.…”

Quality Criteria to Evaluate Performance and Scope of 2030 Agenda in Metropolitan Areas: Case Study on Strategic Planning of Environmental Municipality Management

“…'Wicked' sustainability problems, defined as problems that are multi-dimensional, appear intractable, and for which there is no one clear solution, are increasing in number and intensity [57,58]. These problems differ fundamentally from technical problems that can be isolated and controlled using standard scientific methodologies.…”

Quality Criteria to Evaluate Performant and Scope of 2030 Agenda in Metropolitan Areas: Case Study on Strategic Planning of Environmental Municipality Management

“…actions to be undertaken strategically in the short, medium and long-term in the municipal and global context in which they develop as historical subjects. `Wicked´ sustainability problems, defined as problems that are multi-dimensional, appear intractable, and for which there is no one clear solution, are increasing in number and intensity [40,41]. These problems differ fundamentally from technical problems that can be isolated and controlled using standard scientific methodologies.…”