Context mapping policy influencing: a framework for action [compatibility mode]
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This document outlines a framework for influencing policy change through research. It discusses four key components to consider: the political context, the evidence, links between stakeholders, and the external environment. For each component, it provides questions researchers should consider to understand the situation, actions they can take to influence policy, and recommendations on how to implement those actions, such as building relationships with policymakers, establishing credibility over time, and aligning research with international priorities. The overall goal is to provide guidance to researchers on strategically influencing policy through different approaches based on the issue context.
Context mapping policy influencing: a framework for action [compatibility mode]
- 1. INFLUENCING POLICY CHANGE A framework for Action Maurice Bolo, PhD Bolo@scinnovent.org / ochibolo@gmail.com
- 2. INFLUENCING POLICY CHANGE: Basis and style Two dimensions to approach Basis - Evidence or science based - Interest or values based Style - Cooperation (inside track) - Confrontation (outside track)
- 3. Approach = Basis + Style Evidence, science Advising Advocacy Cooperation Confrontation Lobbying Interest, Activism values
- 4. Advising Evidence/Science + Cooperation Participants to discuss and populate
- 5. Advocacy Evidence/Science + Confrontation • Participants to discuss and populate
- 6. Lobbying Interest/Values+ Cooperation Participants to discuss and populate
- 7. Activism Interest/Values+ Confrontation • Participants to discuss and populate
- 8. Approach = Basis + Style •Different approaches used within an organization •Organizations may emphasize one approach •Research organizations advise •Different approaches may suit different situations
- 9. Framework for Research-Policy Linkages Developed by Overseas Development Institute Consists of four components (PELE) Political context Local, national Evidence Credibility, communication Links Networks, influence, interactions External environment Regional, international
- 10. Framework for Action For each of the four components: What researchers need to know What researchers can do How to do it *Public policy self assessment tool
- 11. Political context : To Know •Who are the policymakers? •What is the policy making process? •Is there policymaker demand for new ideas? •What are the sources/strengths of resistance? •What are the opportunities and timing for input into formal processes?
- 12. Political context : To Do •Get to know the policymakers, their agendas and their constraints. •Plan and prepare for opportunities in regular policy processes. •Identify potential supporters and opponents. •Look out for and react to unexpected policy windows.
- 13. Political context : How to Do It •Work with policymakers. •Seek commissions. •Line up research programmes with high-profile policy events. •Allow sufficient time and resources. •Reserve resources to be able to move quickly to respond to policy windows.
- 14. Evidence : To Know •What is the current theory? •What are the prevailing narratives? •How divergent is the new evidence? •What sort of evidence will convince policymakers?
- 15. Evidence : To Do •Establish credibility over the long term. •Provide practical solutions to problems. •Establish legitimacy. •Build a convincing case and present clear policy options. •Communicate effectively. •Package new ideas in familiar theory or narratives.
- 16. Evidence : How to Do It •Build up programmes of high-quality work. •Clear strategy for communication •Face-to face communication •Action-research and pilot projects to demonstrate benefits of new approaches. •Use participatory approaches to help with legitimacy and implementation.
- 17. Links : To Know •Who are key stakeholders? •What links and networks exist between them? •Who are the intermediaries, and do they have influence? •Whose side are they on?
- 18. Links : To Do •Get to know the other stakeholders. •Establish a presence in existing networks. •Build coalitions with like-minded stakeholders. •Build new policy influencing networks.
- 19. Links : How to Do It •Partnership between researchers, policymakers and policy end-users. •Link up with key networkers and salesmen. •Use informal contacts.
- 20. External Environment: To Know •Who are the main international actors in the policy process? •What influence do they have? •What are their priorities? •What are their research priorities and mechanisms? •What are the policies of the donors funding the research?
- 21. External Environment: To Do •Get to know international organisations, their priorities and constraints. •Identify potential supporters, key individuals and networks. •Establish credibility. •Keep an eye on donor policy and look out for policy windows.
- 22. External Environment: How to Do It •Develop background on international, regional, donor policies. •Orient communications to suit their priorities and language. •Cooperate with funders and seek commissions. •Contact (regularly) key individuals.
- 23. Group work •Divide participants into groups •For each group, they should choose a policy problem/issue •Participants are required to (a) use the PELE framework and design how they would respond to the situation, with the ultimate goal of influencing policy and action •30 mins group work; 30 minutes plenary presentation and discussions