Research communication and the policy environment

Andrew Clappison

Why is research communication important?

Research communication explained

Managing the enabling environment: Knowledge, policy and power

1. Systematic mapping of the political context is necessary to improve the success of knowledge-policy interactions.

2. Understanding the role and behaviour of actors is important (i.e. interplay of actor interests, values and credibility and the power relations that underpin these.)

3. Research needs to be complemented by other forms of knowledge, based on local conditions and practical experience.

4. ‘Knowledge intermediary’s’ needs to think through a range of possible approaches to ensure their role is effective (i.e. theory of action)

*Knowledge Policy and Power in International Development by Harry Jones, Nicola Jones, Louise Shaxson and David Walker

Monitoring and Evaluation

Agenda Setting Decision

Making

Policy Implementation

Policy Formulation

Understanding policy processes...

Civil Society

DonorsCabinet

Parliament

Ministries

Private Sector

Thanks ODI for this slide

HOW TO NEGOTIATE COMPLEXITY

What researchers need to know What researchers need to do How to do it

POLITICAL CONTEXT

EVIDENCE/KNOWLEDGE

LINKS (POLICY ACTORS & INTERMEDIARIES)

• Who are the policymakers?• Is there demand for ideas?• What is the policy process?

• What is the current theory?• What are the narratives?• How divergent is it?

• Who are the stakeholders?• What networks exist?• Who are the connectors,

mavens and salesmen?

• Get to know the policymakers.• Identify friends and foes.• Prepare for policy opportunities.• Build linkages to negotiate

complex systems (see below)

• Work with decision-makers to build interest and demand

• Strategic opportunism – be prepared for opportunities

• Establish credibility• Provide practical solutions• Establish legitimacy.• Present clear options• Build on familiar narratives &

existing knowledge.

• Build a reputation• Action-research• Pilot projects to generate

legitimacy• Good communication

• Get to know the key actors• Work through existing

networks.• Build coalitions.• Build new policy networks.

• Build partnerships.• Identify key networkers,

mavens and salesmen.• Use informal contacts