Although theoretical explanations and empirical research concerning the causes of financial reforms and financial crises are abundant, they fail to explain when, how and why various policies and institutions that function effectively may ultimately fail. Furthermore, the existing literature has focused largely on the regulatory instruments employed to ensure financial industry stability and paid insufficient attention to other tools and to the policy design processes and capacities that govern the implementation of these instruments. The literature also remains at loss to explain different outcomes across governments despite similarities in the instruments used, suggesting the need for better understanding of the underlying processes and contexts that drive financial reforms and results.

To address these concerns, the workshop will seek answers to the following questions:

   When, how and why do different policies and institutions discourage excessive risk taking among agents and thus promote stability in the financial sector and when do they not?
   What are the types of policies and processes required to guard against excessive risk taking and promote resilience in a dynamic and ever-changing financial sector?
   What capacities do governments need to design and implement policies and institutions necessary for a stable and resilient financial sector?
   What activities are beyond the realm of national actors and what are the international governance arrangements required for a stable and resilient financial sector?

Proposals for theoretically-grounded original papers, irrespective of disciplinary backgrounds, addressing the above questions are invited. Please send your proposal by email to the address below.

A limited number of travel grants covering travel and accommodation costs are available on a competitive basis.

Select papers from the workshop will be considered for publication as a collection in the journal Policy and Society.

Key dates:

Expression of Interest (250 words): 15 May 2015

Submission of Abstracts (800 words): 15 June 2015

Confirmation of acceptance: 30 June 2015

Submission of complete paper 4 Sept 2015

Contact: istanbulworkshop2015@gmail.com

Venue: Koc Universitesi, Istinye Kampus Cayir Caddesi No:6 5 Istinye, Istanbul.

Convenors: M Ramesh, Michael Howlett, Caner Bakir, Jun Jie Woo.