Bridging the gap between research and policy making? Ajoy Datta Foundation for the Future, Dead Sea, Jordan Civil Society Partnerships Programme January 2010

Outline of this presentation 1.Is there a gap? No, not really 2.What are the implications for research centres? 3.How can we promote our own research

Is there a gap? Research Policy

Is there a gap? ResearchPolicy

Is there a gap? Focus has been on researchers and links to policymakers and policy Policy is broadly linked to evidence The issue of knowledge density Research centres are political actors

Many links exist Formal internal think tanks Public think tanks UN think tanks Informal ‘internal’ think tanks

Research and policy in East Asia States and Markets have been politically contested Think thanks are an important actor They are political They are part of a long term national development plan

Research and policy in Latin America Emergence of think tanks tightly linked to historical development of region –Coincided with political struggles Eclectic funding sources –Political parties –International NGOs/foundations –Private sector

Is there a gap? Research Policy Technocratic networks Ideological think tanks Internal think tanks UN Think tanks Public think tanks Political parties Lobbies NGOs corporations Universities Regulatory bodies Executive

In the United States Industrial revolution donors: progressive believe in science Post Wall Street Crash: contain social disaffection Second World War: more complex foreign policy and military strategies Cold War: beat the Russians (and all that implies) The conservative swing: Get the Republicans into the White House Philanthropy/ Academia Philanthropy / Policy Ideology Politics

Conclusion One community But with differences Extent of overlap can vary –Context dependent Little or no gap Not everyone can be influential Aligned with political interests

Implications 1.Really understand the context. What works where? 2.Recognise the limits to the uptake of some research by policymakers –Uptake is not same everywhere 3.Work with what you have –Depends on who you are

Promoting your research 1.Know your policy objective 2.Understand the context 3.Identify who you want to influence 4.Clarify what changes you want 5.Develop a theory of change 6.Develop a strategy 7.Develop your competencies and skills and/or partner with others 8.Set up a Monitoring and Learning system

For example:  Progress Markers  Opportunities and Threats timeline  Policy Objectives  AIIM  Force Field Analysis For example:  Force Field Analysis 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

RAPID OUTCOME MAPPING APPROACH (ROMA) More research Develop a network or build partnerships Research communications Capacity building

Thank you Ajoy Datta