Communicating Research to Policymakers

1. Communicating Research to Policymakers "The road to inaction is paved with research reports"

2. The research-policy gap • Ways to bridge the gap • Strategic planning for communication • Some communication tips

3. The Research-Policy Gap • Researchers and policymakers have different roles and spheres of influence Researchers Policymakers • Barriers to using research originate from both sides

4. 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

5. 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

6. Ways to bridge the gap • 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

7. Bridging the Gap Policy communications Researchers Policymakers

8. Policy communication requires: • Strategic Planning • Multiple Channels • Continuous Process

9. Research-to-Policy: One Model

10. Strategic Planning for Communication - Steps Sender Objectives Audience Research Audiences Messages Formats/Channels Pretest Evaluation

11. Mobilize a Team • Researchers • Program/policy staff • Communication specialist • Editor • Production staff

12. 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

13. 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 Use multiple channels & formats

14. 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

15. 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

16. Cultivate the media • Develop networks of journalists • Nurture relationships • Send information and data regularly • Incorporate story element or “news hook”

17. 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