In my research, I have examined the role of ideas in achieving policy coherence. Across several studies, I have shown that consensus-building has a powerful influence on what issues reach the agenda, what is considered legitimate, and what is prioritised. Efforts to achieve coherence can have different effects depending on the nature of policy trade-offs and the stage of the policy process at which such efforts are made.
High-level formulations emphasising synergies and coherent goals do not necessarily lead to coherent outcomes. Rather, coherence should be understood as an active process of aligning ideas with the practical activities involved in policy implementation. Accountability for policy coherence across different levels of governance can help mitigate systemic tendencies to displace trade-offs across time and space.
My research highlights the importance of studying both the active process of coherence-building and the actors involved. Such an approach reveals implicit ideas about what should be prioritised and when, as well as underlying notions of justice and impartiality.