Epistemic Infrastructures: SDGs and the Making of Global Public Policy

Abstract

AbstractIn this concluding chapter, we propose a theorisation of an epistemic infrastructure in the context of the SDGs. Epistemic infrastructure, we argue, emerges on three conceptual levels. The first order of the epistemic infrastructure entails the materialities of measurement—the building blocks of the infrastructure such as data, indicators, visualisations, reports, etc. The second order involves the interlinkages—networks and connections linking experts, decision-makers, civil societies, activists, etc. The third level of infrastructure is the new governing paradigm, transforming global policy spaces. The key argument put forward in this chapter (and book overall) is that the process of global public policymaking is one ofinfrastructuring—creating and maintaining an epistemic infrastructure around the problems of sustainable development.