1. Tools for Policy Influence

2. RAPID Programme www.odi.org.uk/rapid SMEPOL, Cairo, February, 2005 2 Practical Tools

3. RAPID Programme www.odi.org.uk/rapid SMEPOL, Cairo, February, 2005 3 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

4. RAPID Programme www.odi.org.uk/rapid SMEPOL, Cairo, February, 2005 4 Think Tanks – 3 Modes of Influence www.odi.org.uk/RAPID/Meetings/Evidence/Evidence_Series.html Gas SolidLiquid

5. RAPID Programme www.odi.org.uk/rapid SMEPOL, Cairo, February, 2005 5 Different Roles

6. RAPID Programme www.odi.org.uk/rapid SMEPOL, Cairo, February, 2005 6 Log Frame Approach Goal Purpose Stakeholders Outputs Assumptions Indicators / MoVs The DELIVERI Project Log frame Programme Design

7. RAPID Programme www.odi.org.uk/rapid SMEPOL, Cairo, February, 2005 7 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

8. RAPID Programme www.odi.org.uk/rapid SMEPOL, Cairo, February, 2005 8 Outcome Mapping: example SMEs National SME Policy IDRC National NGOs /think tanks International NGO Bi/Multilateral Donors Inter/National Media Other businesses /market

9. RAPID Programme www.odi.org.uk/rapid SMEPOL, Cairo, February, 2005 9 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

10. RAPID Programme www.odi.org.uk/rapid SMEPOL, Cairo, February, 2005 10 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]

11. RAPID Programme www.odi.org.uk/rapid SMEPOL, Cairo, February, 2005 11 Networks Roles of Policy Networks –Filtering –Amplifying –Investor / Provider –Facilitator –Convening –Communities Policy Code Sharing Some networks net; some networks work.

12. RAPID Programme www.odi.org.uk/rapid SMEPOL, Cairo, February, 2005 12 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

13. 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)