Communicating Research to Policymakers

"The road to inaction is paved with research reports"

• The research-policy gap

• Ways to bridge the gap

• Strategic planning for communication

• Some communication tips

The Research-Policy Gap

• Researchers and policymakers have different roles and spheres of influence

Researchers Policymakers

• Barriers to using research originate from both sides

Barriers - on the research side:

• Research topics don’t address policy needs

• Study findings often not definitive

• Policy implications not drawn out

• Not presented in concise fashion

• Lack of funds or staff for dissemination

Barriers - on the policy side:

• Policymakers have short time horizons and need quick results

• Are too busy to read studies

• Face competing priorities, including concerns about costs, political risks, and opposition

• Understand the policy process and information needs

• Involve policymakers early on in research process

• Interpret and distill findings so they are relevant and usable for policy

Ways to bridge the gap

Bridging the Gap

ResearchersResearchers PolicymakersPolicymakers

Policy communicationsPolicy communications

Policy communication requires:

• Strategic Planning

• Multiple Channels

• Continuous Process

Research-to-Policy: One Model

Strategic Planning for Communication - Steps

Sender

Objectives

Audiences

Messages

Formats/Channels

Pretest

Evaluation

Audience Research

Mobilize a Team

• Researchers

• Program/policy staff

• Communication specialist

• Editor

• Production staff

To plan effectively...

• Be specific about your objectives

• Think in terms of multiple products

• Tailor each to audience needs

• Pretest for best results

• Timing - hook to important events

Use multiple channels & formats

• Reports and publications

• Data sheets• Print or electronic

announcements• Press releases• Press conferences

• Conferences and seminars

• High-level policy presentations

• Policy memos and fact sheets

• Informal briefings

Tips for Developing Messages

• Present two to three points maximum

• Tailor the message to fit the audience

• Deliver through a credible source

• Avoid technical jargon

• Include actions the audience should take

Print materials should be...

• attractive

• clear and jargon-free

• short - 20 pages is good

• have a one-page summary

• have simple tables and graphs

• contain implications or recommendations

Cultivate the media

• Develop networks of journalists

• Nurture relationships

• Send information and data regularly

• Incorporate story element or “news hook”

To sum up:• Communicating research is a full-time

occupation

• Know your audiences and their needs

• Present a concise message

• Maintain a continuous flow of information