Linking Research, Policy and Practice Dr Niamh Gaynor IAP Director

The Context: The ‘Evidential Paradox’ ‘Better utilisation of research and evidence in development policy and practice can help save lives and reduce poverty’ (ODI, 2004). ‘Better utilisation of research and evidence in development policy and practice can help save lives and reduce poverty’ (ODI, 2004). But… But… –Policy uptake: ‘the whole life of policy is a chaos of purposes and accidents’ (Edward Clay, 1984), –Research relevance: much research divorced from real issues on the ground, –The result… limited impact of research on policy and practice (DfID, 2007).

How does research contribute to policy? Traditionally the link has been viewed as a linear process. Traditionally the link has been viewed as a linear process. But this traditional view now being questioned. But this traditional view now being questioned. –The linear model is no longer assumed, –Nor is there a clear divide between researchers and policy makers. Literature on research-policy link is now moving towards a more dynamic and complex view that emphasises a two-way process between research and policy, shaped by multiple relations and reservoirs of knowledge. Literature on research-policy link is now moving towards a more dynamic and complex view that emphasises a two-way process between research and policy, shaped by multiple relations and reservoirs of knowledge. EBPP  PPBE

Lessons for researchers: How to influence policy (ODI’s RAPID) Develop a detailed understanding of Develop a detailed understanding of –Policymaking processes, –The nature of evidence required, –Other stakeholders involved in policy. Develop an overall strategy for our work Develop an overall strategy for our work –Identify policy windows, –Ensure evidence is credible and practically useful, –Work with policy makers over the longterm.

What are the issues to be addressed and what evidence is required? What are the issues to be addressed and what evidence is required? What evidence is already available and what are the gaps? How do we prioritise these gaps? What evidence is already available and what are the gaps? How do we prioritise these gaps? What research designs are appropriate in gathering the evidence, and what are the most effective methodologies to employ? What research designs are appropriate in gathering the evidence, and what are the most effective methodologies to employ? How can the need for rigour be balanced with the need for timely findings of practical relevance? How can the need for rigour be balanced with the need for timely findings of practical relevance? How can the research findings be most effectively communicated to policy makers and practitioners (knowledge translation). How can the research findings be most effectively communicated to policy makers and practitioners (knowledge translation). Key questions…

What does this mean for the IAP? Institutional opportunities & constraints Thematic priorities and opportunities Building relationships Developing shared understandings Network / Platform for development research (institutionalised?) P/ship Both the IAP platform and resultant partnerships to be closely linked with policy makers and practitioners Both the IAP platform and resultant partnerships to be closely linked with policy makers and practitioners An institutionalised platform – IRID? Nature of university commitments to this? Nature of university commitments to this?