HOW TO MAKE RESEARCH MEANINGFUL TO POLICY MAKERS: THE VALUE OF A LOBBYING STRATEGY Toby Aykroyd

Taking a Strategic Approach n What are the objectives of the research? n Which research influences policy makers? n Who do we want to influence? n How do we reach them?

What are the Objectives of the Research? n Raise the policy profile of the population issue n Substantially increase funding for population programmes n Instil a sense of urgency

Which Research Influences Policy Makers? n The impact on business performance n The impact of climate change

1.The Impact on Business Performance? n Hinders capital accumulation n Lower per capita income – weaker markets n Health – lower productivity n Education, infrastructure

2.The Impact on Climate Change Existing impact from developed world Increase mainly from developing countries Fossil fuel sources, lack technology & funding

Who Do We Want to Influence with Research? n Political parties n Finance and planning ministries – LDCs n Key institutions n The sectors – eg business, science n Mondeo Man

How Do We Reach Them with Research? n A media approach n Engaging the political process

Media Techniques for Promoting Research n Accessibility: language, summaries n Research database for further enquiry? n Tailor the message n Be impactive: press release, sound bite, film n Linking research and advocacy

Westminster Parliamentary Hearings n The impact of population increase n Millennium Development Goals as a topic n All party parliamentary Group n Sources of evidence

Building A Strategy n Promoting the results n Replicating the Hearings process n Relevance in Washington n An ongoing programme

HOW TO MAKE RESEARCH MEANINGFUL TO POLICY MAKERS THE VALUE OF LOBBYING