Intentions and knowledge shaping local safety policy: A comparison of two Swedish cities

摘要

Introduction: This article explores how intentions and knowledge shape two Swedish cities' local safety policy (LSP). Method: The applied framework is derived from the integration of governance and implementation research and the theory of knowledge and its use. Results: The study shows that LSPs are shaped by a mix of intentions and different kinds of knowledge, and intentions and knowledge interplay and intertwine in many ways. Key-persons construct LSPs when they work out solutions to urgent safety problems and take departure in the local context, its pre-conditions, and their experience-based and professional knowledge. The state governs LSP softly through management by objectives in the background, but more often key-actor intentions and commitments, local safety problems, and events initiated and influenced LSPs. Conclusions: The article contributes to a better understanding of conditions for LSPs in multi-level governance. (C) 2015 National Safety Council and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.