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Maximising the value of research for
development, A Seminar and Workshop for the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Stockholm, Sweden, 26th January
2007
How does research contribute to policy? Traditionally, the
link between research findings and policy processes has been
viewed as a linear process, whereby a set of research findings
is shifted from the 'research sphere' over to the 'policy
sphere', and then has some impact on policy-makers' decisions.
This traditional view is now being replaced by a more dynamic
and complex view that emphasises a two-way process between
research and policy, shaped by multiple relations and reservoirs
of knowledge.
Over the last 5 years ODI's Research and Policy in Development
(RAPID) Programme has undertaken case study and action-research
to develop a range of practical tools that to help researchers
to:
- develop a better understanding of i) the policymaking
process - what are the key influencing factors, and
how do they relate to each other? ii) the nature of the
evidence - is it credible, practical and operationally
useful? and iii) all the other stakeholders involved
in the policy area - who else can help to get the message
across?
- develop a policy engagement strategy - identifying
political supporters and opponents, keeping an eye out for,
and being able to react to policy windows, ensuring the
evidence is credible and practically useful, and building
coalitions with like-minded groups.
- be more entrepreneurial - getting to know, and
work with the policymakers, building long term programmes
of credible research, communicating effectively, using participatory
approaches, identifying key networkers and salesmen and
using shadow networks.
This seminar, held at MoFA
in Stockholm, Sweden in January 2007, was designed for
researchers, consultants, the private sector, policy makers
and development practitioners and focused on practical strategies
for bridging research and policy, for all stakeholders. The
seminar was followed by a smaller workshop for MoFA staff
in the EGDI Secretariat,
Department for Global Development, which focused on specific
tools and approaches which can be used to improve ability
to capitalize on commissioned research.
Further information and materials
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