INTERNAL V/S EXTERNAL POLICY EXPERTISE: WHAT WE LOSE WHEN WE WIN

Abstract

The article examines the structure, evolution, and challenges of policy advisory systems (PAS), with a particular focus on the Bulgarian case. The authors argue that Bulgaria’s PAS developed spontaneously after the 1990s, resulting in fragmentation, weak institutionalization, and limited coordination between internal and external expertise. They highlight how politicization and insufficient capacity undermine evidence‑based policymaking. Ultimately, the study shows that balancing internal administrative expertise with external knowledge sources is essential for an effective modern PAS.