At a glance
Technocracy gives technical expertise and specialized knowledge a leading role in governing decisions, sometimes proposing that experts replace ordinary political leadership.
Core principles
- Expert competence; evidence-informed administration; technical problem-solving; efficiency; institutional capacity; skepticism toward decisions driven only by party competition.
Origins & development
Modern technocratic ideas developed with industrial administration and planning. The interwar technocracy movement and later expert-led governments represent different applications.
Economic outlook
Expert administration can serve planning, market regulation or a mixed economy. The method does not by itself imply socialism, capitalism or an agreed ownership structure.
Society & government
Experts may advise elected officials or exercise governing authority directly. Democratic accountability depends on who selects them, defines their goals and can reverse their decisions.
Variations & related traditions
Democratic expert advisory systems differ from rule by an unelected technical elite. Our guide treats technocracy as a governing approach, not a complete social doctrine.
Debates & criticisms
Critics argue that policy involves contested values, not only technical answers. Expertise can improve decisions, but professional authority alone does not provide popular consent.