In this paper, three paradigms for policymaking are presented: the `instrumental', the `interpretative' and the `critical' approach. Special attention is paid to the relation with the transport and infrastructure policy. It is argued that usually the 'instrumental' approach is dominant, not only among policymakers but also among scientists. The result is a possible threat that reality becomes blurred and simplified. This can lead to surprises resulting from unexpected responses from actors to government policies and/or unexpected outcomes of processes. The paper also presents the results of a Dutch research in which twelve persons have been followed and questioned during one day each in order to gain more knowledge of their desires and expectations. This method of doing research renders interesting results. The paper concludes with an argument for the need to integrate the three approaches described in order to be able to design policies that can better meet desires and expectations. Such an integration requires innovations in policymaking and in science. (A)
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