Bridging the divide between science and politics Annual Meeting of the African Science Academy Development Initiative (ASADI) Royal Society, London, 5 November 2008 David Dickson, Director, SciDev.Net

SciencePolitics Knowledge-driven Objective Long-term goals Context independent Meritocratic Policy/power-driven Personal/Ideological Short-term goals Context dependent Autocratic/democratic

Researchers % Intermediaries % Policy-makers % Total sample size: 617. Overview of respondents Number% of total

Evidence-based policy-making is poorly institutionalised in developing country contexts Theme 1

Fig. 1. Satisfaction with degree to which policy is based on ST&I evidence (all respondents)

Obstacles to uptake of scientific information in development policy-making Scientific understanding by policymakers is low 64% Limited openness by politicians 61% Lack of dissemination of research findings 59% Lack of incentives 56% Lack of institutional channels for incorporation 44%

Lack of formal mechanisms for integrating scientific knowledge into policy. Policy priorities often drive the use of research, rather than research stimulating policy recommendations. Implications

Audience-appropriate information targeting is imperative Theme 2

ST&I information must be targeted to the needs of actors in the policy process Mst also target the stage in the policy process at which actors use such information. Implication

Intermediary organisations are needed as knowledge brokers for researcher and policy-making communities Theme 3

Fig. 14 Potential knowledge services that could be provided by a web-based intermediary organisation

Interaction and deliberation, rather than just research dissemination, is needed to bridge the ST&I researcher/policy-maker gap Theme 4

Fig. 10 Types of information found useful by policymakers in development policy decision-making

Policy-engaged scientists are critically important Theme 5

Fig. 3 Scientists as neutral information providers or also engaging in policy debates

Strong desire from Southern policy-makers for scientific findings to be complemented by policy- relevant recommendations. Policy-makers and development practitioners would make greater use of scientific research findings if scientists engaged more openly with the policy implications, and present policy options. Implications

Politicisation of science. Scientisation of politics. Dangers!

Improving public understanding of ST&I will facilitate better policy dialogues [and help avoid previous two dangers] Theme 6

Fig. 11 Extent to which respondents believed that increased participation from a scientifically informed public will lead to improved development

Strong interest by both policy-makers and researchers in greater public participation in ST&I-related policy debates This requires initiatives to improve public understanding of ST&I to promote a more informed and engaged public. Implications

Policymakers at all levels need accurate, timely, concise and reliable information about potential role of science and technology in meeting development objectives. In brief:

Public understanding of, and engagement in, S&T ensures open and democratic debate about the promises they offer – as well as their transparent governance of their potentially negative consequences. In addition:

Eliminating transaction of costs of sharing information opens up new opportunities for effective science communication. Promise of the world wide web:

What we are and what we do

To act as a basic resource for policymakers and stakeholders concerned with science and development issues. To achieve this by providing a combination of topical and background information that is both authoritative and accessible Our role:

Our activities: 1.Operating a free-access website ( containing news, views and analysis about science and technology in the developing world. 2.Organising regional workshops and other activities – including internships – to enhance the capacity of science journalists and others (including researchers) to provide reliable and authoritative information on such issues

Our website contains News Feature articles Opinion articles Weekly editorial Dossiers (including commissioned policy briefs) Notices (including lists of meetings, grants and jobs) Links (e.g. to scientific organisations and journals) Feedback from users

Capacity-building workshops These are intended to help build capacity in developing countries to report accurately on science and technology and their contributions to development.

Full operation since ,000 registered users (8,000 in sub-Saharan Africa) >2/3 (69% in developing countries) 28,000 visitors per week > 100 freelance contributors around the developing world Operating data

SciDev.Net is supported by the journals: Academy of Sciences of the Developing World

SciDev.Net is currently funded by: UK Department for International Development (DFID) Swedish International Development Agency (Sida/SAREC) International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Dutch Ministry for Foreign Affairs (DGIS) Swiss Development Agency (SDC)

For more information, and to register to receive free weekly alert, visit us at: Thank you! London, 5 November 2008 For information about workshops and other activities, contact me at: