Communicating research for evidence-based policymaking - A practical guide for researchers in socio-economic sciences and humanities
Evidence-based policymaking depends, first
of all, on the existence and availability of reliable
evidence. No less importantly, it requires
that researchers and policymakers communicate
with each other effectively. Both parties
stand to benefit from this interaction.
Tackling socio-economic challenges is definitely
a cooperative enterprise. Cooperation between
policymakers and researchers, however, does
not always come naturally. A familiar set of
obstacles – cultural, linguistic and institutional
– can make interaction difficult.
Fortunately, important steps have been taken
to overcome the communications deficit
in recent years. The trend towards evidencebased
policymaking has provided impetus for
productive interaction between researchers
and decision-making entities around the
globe, including the institutions of the European
Union.
Within the European Commission, the principles
of evidence-based policymaking are
reflected in the Framework Programmes
for Research, which are administrated by
the Directorate-General for Research (DG
Research). Because of its focus on public
policy themes, the DG’s Science, Economy
and Society Directorate is particularly interested
in strengthening the interface between
researchers and policymakers. With that in
mind the Directorate has solicited input on
the subject from leading academics, decisionmakers
and knowledge transfer specialists
throughout Europe. Their insights provided
the basis for this guide.
Researchers, in order to meet the objectives of
the Framework Programmes, need to communicate
with policymakers effectively.
This publication is intended as a practical guide
to support that collaborative endeavour specifically
in the field of socio-economic sciences
and humanities.
