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Based on over five years of theoretical and case study research, RAPID has developed a simple analytical framework and a range of practical tools that can help researchers to make better use of research-based evidence in development policy and practice. But to use them effectively researchers need to do three things. First, they need to develop a detailed understanding of the policymaking process; the nature of the evidence they have, or hope to get and all the other stakeholders involved in the policy area. Second, they need to develop an overall strategy for their work and third, they need to be entrepreneurial.

RAPID produces a wide range of online and printed information, publications and toolkits as a resource to help researchers, policymakers and practitioners maximise the impact of research-based evidence on policy. Tools, resources and training support are being identified, developed, distributed and delivered to help researchers inform and influence the policy process. Five toolkits have so far been produced, in printed form and online:

  • Mapping Political Context: A Toolkit for Civil Society Organisations
    • This toolkit introduces a series of tools that have been designed to map various dimensions of political context. The tools have been selected because they cover a wide variety of political dimensions. As such, they provide a menu of different approaches to mapping political context; CSOs and others can select from this menu and make use of the tools according to their own needs.

  • Tools for Knowledge and Learning: A Guide for Development and Humanitarian Organisations
    • This toolkit covers a wide range of tools and methods that have been used to facilitate improved knowledge and learning in the development and humanitarian sectors. They are divided into five categories: Strategy Development; Management Techniques; Collaboration Mechanisms; Knowledge Sharing and Learning Processes; and Knowledge Capture and Storage.


  • A Toolkit for Progressive Policymakers in Developing Countries
    • The aim of this toolkit is to identify lessons and approaches from EBP in the UK which may be valuable for developing countries. The approaches and tools presented are based on the assumption that the reader is a progressive policymaker in a developing country, and one who is interested in utilising EBP. The intended audience is made up of policymakers and policy advisers in the public sector, rather than those working within the private sector or civil society.

  • Successful Communication
    • What is needed is far better communication of evidence within the international development field, thus this toolkit is designed to help development actors communicate better. This toolkit presents work in progress on communication tools, specifically geared towards the needs of researchers in civil society organisations. The 23 tools are grouped under the headings of Planning, Packaging, Targeting and Monitoring tools.

  • Tools for Policy Impact
    • This toolkit represents work-in-progress on tools for policy impact, specifically geared towards the needs of researchers. The tools are grouped under the headings: Research Tools; Context Assessment Tools; Communication Tools; and Policy Influence Tools.

To view summaries and full pdf versions of these toolkits or how to order printed copies, see the publications pages:

Other Tools...

Go to Mapping Political Context online toolkitGo to Tools for Knowledge and Learning online toolkitGo to Progressive Policymakers Online ToolkitGo to Successful Communication Online ToolkitGo to Policy Impact Online Toolkit

 
Last Updated: 13 January, 2009
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