The objective of policy sciences is to develop policy knowledge for better policy-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)

- The objective of policy sciences is to develop policy knowledge for better policy-making. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)
Introduction
Policy Sciences, associated particularly with Harold D. Lasswell, seeks to generate systematic, interdisciplinary and problem-oriented knowledge that can improve the quality, rationality and democratic character of public policy.
Body
Policy Knowledge for Better Policy-making:
1. Problem Diagnosis: It helps identify the causes, dimensions and stakeholders of public problems before policy intervention.
2. Interdisciplinary Inputs: Economics, sociology, psychology, law and political science enrich policy understanding.
3. Evidence-based Decisions: Data, forecasting and evaluation reduce dependence on intuition or ideology.
4. Policy Alternatives: Comparative analysis allows decision-makers to assess costs, benefits and consequences of different options.
5. Implementation Feedback: Policy sciences examine implementation gaps and generate knowledge for course correction.
6. Normative Orientation: Lasswell emphasised the “policy sciences of democracy”, linking policy expertise with human dignity and public values.
7. Learning Process: Evaluation converts policy experience into knowledge for future decisions.
However, policy-making also involves politics, values and competing interests, which technical knowledge alone cannot resolve.
Conclusion
Thus, Policy Sciences improve policy-making by combining knowledge of the policy process with knowledge within the policy process, making governance more informed, adaptive and accountable.