The Research-Policy Connection: Using Research-Based Evidence to Improve Development Policy, Programs, and Practice

Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences Progressive Policymakers Workshop, June 2006, Toronto, Canada

In these workshops sponsored by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), John Young, who leads the RAPID Programme at the Overseas Development Institute in London, and Louise Shaxson, a consultant to the Evidence Base Team, Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs in London, UK, provided an opportunity for researchers, policy makers and practitioners to learn how to improve the use of research in development policy and practice.

The series of three modular workshops focused on three different audiences:

• researchers wishing to improve the impact of their work on policy and practice;
  
• policy makers who want to know how to use research-based evidence more effectively; and
  
• practitioners who want to learn how to incorporate research into their practical projects.

Each workshop was self contained, and included presentations, discussions and group work. Presentation handouts and background reading are provided (click on the links below to access each module).

Module 1: Effective Research for Development Policy
In spite of an annual investment by donors of US$3 billion in development research, little is understood about how, when, and why evidence informs policy. This module examined ways in which development research can be executed more effectively to maximize its influence on policy.

Module 2: Evidence and the Policy Making Process
There is an increasing emphasis on evidence-based policy making in developed and developing countries around the world. Module 2 examined ways in which policy makers access research and researchers, what constitutes evidence (it's more than just hard facts!), and how research fits into the policy cycle.

Module 3: Action Research for Maximum Impact
Better application of research and evidence in development policy making can save lives, reduce poverty, and improve quality of life. The final module in this series looked at ways in which action research can lead to greater impact during project implementation, and examined 'good news' case studies in developing countries.

View Printable version of the workshop handout (pdf 1.6mb)

If you have any queries about these workshops please contact the facilitators John Young and Louise Shaxson.