Tools for Policy Influence
RAPID Programme SMEPOL, Cairo, February, Practical Tools
RAPID Programme SMEPOL, Cairo, February, Implications for SMEPOL Need to be able to: –Understand the political context –Do credible research –Communicate effectively –Work with others Need organisational capacity –Staff –Internal processes –Funds
RAPID Programme SMEPOL, Cairo, February, Think Tanks – 3 Modes of Influence Gas SolidLiquid
RAPID Programme SMEPOL, Cairo, February, Different Roles
RAPID Programme SMEPOL, Cairo, February, Log Frame Approach Goal Purpose Stakeholders Outputs Assumptions Indicators / MoVs The DELIVERI Project Log frame Programme Design
RAPID Programme SMEPOL, Cairo, February, Outcome Mapping Focuses on: –changes in behaviour –how programs facilitate rather than cause change Recognizes the complexity of development processes Looks at logical links between interventions and outcomes Locates programme goals within the broader development context Encourages innovation and risk-taking Involves program staff and partners throughout
RAPID Programme SMEPOL, Cairo, February, Outcome Mapping: example SMEs National SME Policy IDRC National NGOs /think tanks International NGO Bi/Multilateral Donors Inter/National Media Other businesses /market
RAPID Programme SMEPOL, Cairo, February, Communications strategy Identify the audience(s) Identify the message(s) Promotion Evaluate impact and change as necessary Clear Strategy –Interactive –Multiple formats How? Who? What? The DELIVERI Project: Information Strategy / LeafletInformation Strategy Leaflet Materials
RAPID Programme SMEPOL, Cairo, February, Writing Effective Policy Papers I Providing a solution to a policy problem The policy community The policy process Structural elements of a paper –Problem description –Policy options –Conclusion Key issues: Problem oriented, targeted, multidisciplinary, applied, clear, jargon-free. [Source: Young and Quinn, 2002]
RAPID Programme SMEPOL, Cairo, February, Networks Roles of Policy Networks –Filtering –Amplifying –Investor / Provider –Facilitator –Convening –Communities Policy Code Sharing Some networks net; some networks work.
RAPID Programme SMEPOL, Cairo, February, How were doing it in RAPID Clear Aim & Outputs Building credibility with research/action Employing the right staff & staff development Good internal systems (Mgt, Comms & KM) Programme approach: –Strategic opportunism –Research / practical advice / stimulating debate –Engagement with policy makers & practitioners –Community of practice cf network Financial opportunism
Group Work 2 What approaches, tools and tricks does SMEPOL already use to influence policy? If you can, please distinguish between different parts of the policy process: agenda setting, formulation, decision, implementation, monitoring)