Supporting local governance to get research into policy

Researchers who work in developing countries are increasingly being asked by funders to demonstrate that their findings are being taken up in policy and practice. The author suggets that one way this can be done is by building relationships with highly influential individuals, often referred to as 'policy entrepreneurs'. Policy analysis research has repeatedly shown that well-placed, well-networked, or highly respected people can play an important, informal role in getting research issues on the agendas of decision makers, or moving the policymaking process forward when it stalls. Yet all research findings have political implications. Donors concerned with getting research findings into policy, but equally concerned with not dominating local priorities, should work to support or develop local institutions that review, process and recommend evidence to policymakers. Full article available here.