Problem orientation

The problem orientation gives an idea about the policy problem that needs to be solved. In order to identify viable alternatives, a concrete formulation of the problem is required. For this, a thorough analysis is needed, which should include:

• the causes of the problem;
• the historic background;
• who put the problem on the agenda;
• what are the interests at stake (user functions);
• who are involved in the decision-making;
• which aspects are relevant;
• what are possible (directions of) solutions.

An inventory of the 'agenda setting' gives an impression of possible political pressure. Also insight is obtained in the room for initiative that is available: the boundary conditions of the policy.