Policy engagement

Researchers, civil society organisations, development agencies and think tanks wishing to infuse policy debates with research and evidence must be more active and strategic when engaging with policy processes.

Policy processes are often described as linear and sequential – but the reality is much messier. Policy processes may involve multiple, overlapping stages and a multitude of actors all trying to influence each other.

While research and evidence can play an important role in policy processes, this is unlikely to happen without systematic and strategic engagement.

The RAPID team has developed the RAPID Outcome Mapping Approach (ROMA) to create strategies for evidence-based policy influencing. This approach is designed to help policy entrepreneurs gain a better understanding of the context in which they are working, target appropriate audiences with tailored messages, monitor ever-changing political landscapes and learn from experience. The approach is supported by a wide array of tools to help through each part of the process.

RAPID also recognises the value in engaging with a range of other analytical approaches, including complexity and innovations systems.

Our publications, workshops and research are designed as practical materials for policy entrepreneurship.