PACES Policy interviews Italy

DataverseNL

Abstract

Dataset Description The dataset contains transcripts and notes from 35 interviews with migration experts and policymakers in Italy. Background This small dataset generated evidence meant to expand understand the decision-making process of policymakers. More specifically, it sought to understand the role played by research evidence and assumptions in the design of migration policies in Italy. Purpose The dataset captures the insights and reflections of 35 migration experts from research institutions and NGOs and policymakers in Italy. The interview aimed to generate information on when and how existing knowledge is used in migration policymaking. Italy was chosen for fieldwork due to its nature as a typical case of research-policymaking dynamics in Europe. Data Collection and Methods Interviews were conducted from 02/10/2024 to 06/01/2025, most of which in the month of October 2024. Slightly less than half of the interviews were conducted in person, at the offices, headquarters and official addresses of institutions, universities and non-governmental organizations. Issues were encountered both in finding, contacting and recruiting participants from the policy world. Ministry civil servants related to a specific policy change were found through online lists and curricula; others were looked up on LinkedIn. They were contacted via e-mail. No incentives were provided in the outreach message. Interviews were mostly done online, as participants were located across Italy. In-person interviews occurred in Rome, at the offices of the institutions, NGOs, research centers and universities that were contacted. Interviews were semi-structures, following the same initial guiding questions, then diverging depending on the participant's expertise (irregular migration; asylum reception; foreign worker attraction). Three participants who worked at a ministry gave written consent, while the remaining participants gave their consent orally. Research Limitations Most participants were from NGOs and research institutions. It was more challenging to recruit and interview policymakers; the imbalance in the amount of interviews with policymakers compared with the number of interviews with researchers and employees at NGOs opens the possibility for biases in the results of this study, as most of the respondents tend to have a uniform view on policymaking from the point of view of academia or civil society. Data Structure and Relationships Between Files The dataset includes transcribed notes for each of the interviewees. Each interview has information on the participant and the date of the interview. Value of the data for potential reuse This dataset has value as it records insights and reflections on migration policymaking in Italy in late 2024 to early 2025. The material have value for migration and migration policy researchers in particular. Results This dataset has been used for one academic paper that is under review. Conclusion This dataset has important value although it is limited in coverage. The dataset has not been anonymised and for this reason, this dataset is made available under closed access. Access status : Closed Access Data availability : The dataset is not accessible. The repository record provides metadata only about the dataset.

Authors 1

1. Katharina Natter corresponding Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University