The Policy Research Agenda for ASA and Policy Dan Vickers

“A policy is a plan of action to guide decisions and actions. The term may apply to government, private sector organisations and groups, and individuals. The policy process includes the identification of different alternatives, such as programs or spending priorities, and choosing among them on the basis of the impact they will have. Policies in short can be understood as political, management, financial, and administrative mechanisms arranged to reach explicit goals.” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia

“It is a worthy aim to promote yourself by benefiting others” David Lloyd George

What do policy makers want? The same as academics? Academics, want new and exciting ways of addressing a problem whereas policy makers just want an answer to act upon. However, this does not mean that policy led research doesn’t lead to academic papers or to gaining knowledge and experience. NO

National policy Agenda: Examples Demographics Urban Renewal Pensions Housing Education Inequality (Health, Social, Economic) Crime Environment (e.g. flood forecasting)

What do we do at the moment? Mainly small research projects –Lead by senior staff –Conducted by junior staff Not done in any defined way No (group) plan of how to develop research in this area

What could we do? Plan out how we can contribute to policy in various areas. Target policy makers in these areas. Maintain links with policy makers via the group rather than individuals.

How can we make this happen? Get the group name and identity out to policy makers. –Webpage needs complete revamp –Involvement of policy makers in launch event Policy Tsar for the group to identify areas we can contribute. Greater involvement of postgrads in small research projects.