WHAT CAN THE ECONOMIST DO AND NOT DO IN THE PUBLIC POLICY PROCESS?

The roles of land grant university economists in the public policy process are shaped by the purpose, principles and practice of policy extension education, the interface of policy extension and research, and the economist's tool kit. Land grant extension and research can meet the growing need for knowledge and understanding of public problems and policy solutions if they strive to maintain objectivity, continue to serve a broad public, ensure a strong extension-research partnership, and make wise use of the economist's expanding tool kit