1. From Demand to Disinterest: Contexts for Policy Influence Fred Carden International Development Research Centre October 2005

2. The Study IDRC will foster and support the production, dissemination and application of research results leading to policies and technologies that enhance the lives of people in developing countries. IDRC Program Directions 2000-2005

3. The Framework  Expanding Policy Capacities  Broadening Policy Horizons  Affecting Policy Regimes

4. Dimensions of Analysis  What we do (inputs)  Where we do it (context)  How we do it (action)

5. Where: External Factors  Stability of decision-making institutions  Capacity of decision-makers to use research  Decentralization vs tight control  Countries in « transition »  Economic pressures

6. Where: Context Matters 1.Policy Maker Demand 2.Policy Maker Interest, Leadership Gap 3.Policy Maker Interest, Resources Gap 4.Policy Maker Neutral, Research Interest 5.Policy Maker Disinterest, Research Interest time

7. Changes in Context  Clear demand: MIMAP-S, Nepal ICTs, Viet Nam, Acacia (South Africa, Mozambique, Senegal, Uganda)  Policy Maker interest/leadership gap: TEHIP, MIMAP- B, MIMAP-P, LATN, G-24  PM interest, resources gap: Ukraine  PM neutral, research interest: High Altitude Mining, ECAPAPA, Arsaal (local), AFSSRN, SRISTI, Jordan, Copper Mining  PM disinterest, research interest: Syria, Arsaal (national)

8. Changes in Context  Clear demand: MIMAP-S, Nepal ICTs, Viet Nam, Acacia (South Africa, Mozambique, Senegal, Uganda)  AFSSRN, SRISTI  Policy Maker interest/leadership gap: TEHIP, MIMAP- B, MIMAP-P, LATN, G-24  Copper Mining, Jordan  PM interest, resources gap : Ukraine  Arsaal (Local)  PM neutral, research interest :  PM disinterest, research interest : Syria, Arsaal (national)  ECAPAPA, High Altitude Mining

9. Afterword on Use  Influence on Centre thinking  Re-shaping the conversation  Focusing thinking  Evolving practice  Evolving futures  Influence on Centre profile  The story of influence  The story of the study

10. From Demand to Disinterest: Contexts for Policy Influence http://www.idrc.ca/evaluation/policy

11. What: Resources  More money does not mean more influence  but it does make a difference  Other factors:  Intellectual contributions  Technical contributions  Previous history with recipient  Development projects as part of research

12. What: Intent  No 1:1 correspondence between intent and influence  Explicit intent encourages success  especially if the intent is shared  Researcher intent matters most  Other factors:  Context  Level of influence (local/national)  Timeline for results

13. What: IDRC Role  Role evolves over time  Build researcher capacities  (quality, reputation, policy relevant research, communications)  Level the playing field  Build the capacity of policy makers

14. How: Partnerships Factors in Effective partnerships/networks:  Researchers: willingness, capacity, skills & resources  Map out structures & develop strategies early on  Create partnerships that reflect all stakeholders  Common vision – coordinate efforts among partners

15. How: Communications  Communication through information  Passing on information  Dialogue about the findings  Follow-up with key stakeholders  Communication through people  Policymakers as researchers  Researchers as policy entrepreneurs  Finding allies

16. How: Time  External:  Government support: policy windows  Internal:  Relationships  Reputation  Persistence  Project cycle:  Supply approach – capacity & enlightenment  Demand approach - responsive

17. In Conclusion  Essential elements  Identification of key decision makers  Building relations of trust  Some tensions to consider  Advanced planning vs. flexibility  IDRC contributions (+/-)  Inclusion of all stakeholders  Opportunities vs. funding cycles