Title: Public Policy and Governance
Authors: Abdirizak Abdilaahi Warsame
Mustafe Mahamoud Abdillahi
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 248-263
Publication Date: 2026/01/28
Abstract:
This systematic literature review examined the evolving nexus between public policy and governance, tracing the conceptual shift from state-centric government to networked, multi-level, and collaborative governance. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, the review synthesized peer-reviewed literature from 1990 to 2023 to analyze how governance architectures shape policy processes and outcomes. Findings revealed that governance functions as a constitutive framework influencing all policy cycle stages-agenda-setting, decision-making, implementation, and evaluation-while introducing persistent challenges related to accountability, legitimacy, power imbalances, and coordination. Emerging trends such as digital-era algorithmic governance, post-New Public Management paradigms, and populist challenges were identified. The review concludes that effective policy design requires intentional governance structures tailored to specific contexts and underscores the need for future research to address geocentric biases, sectoral imbalances, and methodological gaps. Ultimately, the study highlights the imperative of designing governance systems that enhance resilience, equity, and democratic integrity in an era of poly-crisis.