Connecting the Worlds of Academic Research and Policymaking - Strategies for Success
The Government and Parliament want to hear from academics. They need to see the latest research to support the formation of new policies and, if you’ll forgive the analogy, put existing policies under the microscope. Take any Government policy paper, and you’ll likely find this call for action somewhere. For instance, the UK Science and Technology Framework in 2023 stated that the agenda “would only be delivered” if policymakers worked with academics and other stakeholders. The challenge academics and policymakers face is that they are from two different worlds. They speak two different languages and have two different cultures, speeds, and styles. Throughout my career, whether at Tendo Consulting working with our clients or since starting the Research Policy Impact Centre (RPIC), I’ve had the opportunity to support academics in addressing the challenge of engaging with policymakers. Supporting academics to convert their research into impactful policy communications has given us a deeper understanding of how to bridge the gap between these two worlds. I wanted to share two simple but important concepts that have come out of that experience.
The first concept is understanding the pace of the two worlds. To engage with policymakers, it’s crucial to grasp the relentless pace of their environment. Imagine a minister's diary, carved into small, precise time slots. Or consider the daily flood of correspondence, briefings, and invitations sent to a Member of Parliament. They may be jumping from a meeting about a local issue to a debate on a national foreign policy issue. Succinct communication is vital. To have an impact, your engagement techniques and style must account for this speed. When working with researchers and support staff, we are continually amazed by the potential real-world impact of their findings. So our starting point is often to help support them with the practical tools needed to bridge the gap and get their research noticed by policymakers. And, in many cases, helping them understand the role of the media too. By understanding the rhythm of the policy-making environment, researchers can better tailor their communication to ensure their insights are seen and valued.
The second crucial concept is recognising that it’s never too early to consider the policy impact of your research. In today’s landscape, the upcoming Research Excellence Framework (REF) emphasises research outputs and impacts more than ever before. Cultivating a policy impact plan from the outset can start as early as the funding application phase. In our training workshops, we often dedicate part of the session to this very exercise. We guide academics in transforming their research plans into strategic maps. This helps them identify key stakeholders (political, civil service or the media) they need to engage with to maximise policy impact. Dedicated Policy Impact Managers leading the way in fostering these cultures are able to tailor our training. Having spent years in government engagement and working on campaigns, it's immensely satisfying. Universities are increasingly prioritising this approach, starting to think about impact at an earlier stage.
Bridging the gap between academics and policymakers is essential for creating effective and impactful policies. By understanding the fast-paced environment of policymaking and recognising the importance of early planning for policy impact, researchers can enhance their engagement and communication strategies. Here at the Research Policy Impact Centre, we can equip academics with the tools they need to make their research more accessible and relevant to policymakers. As the landscape of policy development evolves, fostering a culture of collaboration and strategic planning will ensure that academic research continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of public policy.
Written by Daniel Laing
Trainer at the RPIC