Lessons from RAPID’s work on research-policy links John Young

RAPID Power, Politics and evidence use Evidence production and communication Knowledge intermediaries and interactions

Identify the problem Commission research Analyse the results Choose the best option Establish the policy Evaluation Implement the policy Policy processes are not... 3

Monitoring and Evaluation Agenda Setting Decision Making Policy Implementation Policy Formulation Policy processes are more like... Civil Society Donors Cabinet Parliament Ministries Private Sector 4

Research plays a minor role Kate Bird et al, Fracture Points in Social Policies for Chronic Poverty Reduction, ODI WP242, 2004 ( 5

Health Care in Tanzania “The results of household disease surveys informed processes of health service reform which contributed to a 43 and 46 per cent reduction in infant mortality between 2000 and 2003 in two districts in rural Tanzania.” TEHIP Project, Tanzania:

An analytical framework The political context – political and economic structures and processes, culture, institutional pressures, incremental vs radical change etc. The evidence – credibility, the degree it challenges received wisdom, research approaches and methodology, simplicity of the message, how it is packaged etc External Influences Socio-economic and cultural influences, donor policies etc The links between policy and research communities – networks, relationships, power, trust, knowledge etc. 7

A practical framework External Influences political context evidence links Politics and Policymaking Media, Advocacy, Networking Research, learning & thinking Scientific information exchange & validation Policy analysis, & research Campaigning, Lobbying 8

Policy and social entrepreneurs Researcher StorytellerNetworker Fixer Engineer 9

To maximise impact you need to: 10 focus on the policy question ensure results are robust and credible establish the right incentives in the team establish an inclusive approach Emphasise engagement and communications produce appropriate products be ready to seize unexpected policy opportunities and move very fast

6 Steps: ROMA Start by defining your policy objectives – constantly review them during the process 11

Policy objectives 12

An iterative approach Academic research communications Develop a network or partnership Online communications Media strategy More research Policy advocacy coalition

Tools For example:  Progress Markers  Opportunities and Threats timeline  Policy Objectives  AIIM  Force Field Analysis For example:  Force Field Analysis  Theory of Change For example:  Policy entrepreneur questionnaire  SWOT  Internal performance frameworks For example:  Log Frame (flexible)  Outcome Mapping  Journals or impact logs  Internal monitoring tools Start by defining your policy objectives – constantly review them during the process For example: AIIM Stakeholder analysis Influence Mapping Social Network Analysis Force Field Analysis For example:  Publications, public relations  Media and events  Negotiation and advice  Develop a network or coalition  Research For example:  RAPID Framework  Drivers of Change  Power Analysis  SWOT  Influence Mapping  Force Field Analysis 14

Develop enthusiasm to address topic Learn in partnership Develop awareness and enthusiasm Challenge existing beliefs High General level of alignment Low High Interest in specific topic Identifying the key stakeholders AIIM Matrix 1.Identify all stakeholders 2.Map them onto the alignment / interest matrix 3.Identify who has power 4.Identify who you can influence 15

Theories of change 16 Goal (Beneficiaries) Management, inputs Project Management (Budget, HR, Organisational Practices) Purpose (Policy Influencing Objectives) Output 2 Target or audience Output 3 Target or audience Approaches or Activities 1Activities 2 Output N Actions of actors not targeted by DFID Activities A-Z from other actors Output 1 DFID Activities A-Z from other actors Strategy Objectives

Communication Tools Key Messages The Elevator Pitch Communication Strategies Policy Briefs Working with the media 17

M&E of policy change Strategy and Direction - Are you doing the right thing? – Theories of Change; Log Frames etc Management - Are you doing what you planned? – Mgt records; AFTER Action Reviews etc Outputs - Are the outputs appropriate? – Peer review etc Uptake - Is anyone taking note of them? – Logs; Citation analysis; SNA etc Impact - Is anything changing? – OM; SNA; Stories; MSC; Micro-narratives; Case Studies; Episode Studies; ROA etc 18

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Any questions?