Publication Date
7-1-2005
Summary
Diffusion of a policy innovation from one state to another is an important component of social change. Several theories and models have been developed to explain how and under what circumstances policy innovation and diffusion occurs. This paper examines the policy diffusion process through the case of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), a policy innovation designed to provide matched saving opportunities for low-income people to accumulate assets. While our examination supports several of the prominent theories of policy diffusion, we suggest that a fusion of policy theories may better guide policy makers in more adequately predicting and executing the diffusion of policy innovation. Furthermore, these theories appear to hold most relevance at distinct stages of the process.
Document Type
Working Paper
Category
Financial Inclusion
Subarea
Asset Building
Original Citation
Grinstein-Weiss, M., Wagner, K., & Edwards, K. (2005). Diffusion of policy innovation: The case of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) as an asset-building policy (CSD Working Paper No. 05-08). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.
Keywords
IDA, individual development account, policy
Recommended Citation
Grinstein-Weiss, M., Wagner, K., & Edwards, K. (2005). Diffusion of policy innovation: The case of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) as an asset-building policy (CSD Working Paper No. 05-08). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7936/K7XP74HJ