Brokerage at the science–policy interface: from conceptual framework to practical guidance

Abstract

This article analyses the conceptual framework of brokerage at the science–policy interface as an important boundary function to support trusted and transparent government decision-making. Policymaking involves a broad range of considerations, but science advice and evidence is critical to help inform decisions. However, mechanisms for requesting and receiving advice from the scientific community are not straightforward, considering that the knowledge needed generally spans multiple disciplines of the natural and social sciences. Once evidence has been appropriately synthesized, there remains the need to ensure an effective and unbiased translation to the policy and political community. The concept of knowledge brokerage revolves around an understanding of the ontologies, cultures and languages of both the policy community and the science community, in order to effectively link the two bidirectionally. In practical terms, this means ensuring that the information needs of the former are understood, and that the type and form of information offered by the latter aligns with those needs. Ideally, knowledge brokers act at the interface between researchers/experts and decision-makers to present evidence in a way that informs policy options but does not determine policy development. Conceptually, negotiating this interface involves acknowledging that values are embedded in the scientific process and evidentiary synthesis, and in particular, in considering the inferential risks inherent in making evidence claims. Brokers are faced with navigating complex policy dynamics and balancing information asymmetries between research providers and users. Building on the conceptual analysis and examination of the nuances of brokerage observed in practice, we propose a set of guidelines to translate the concepts of brokerage to practical application.

Open Science at the Science-policy Interface: Bringing in the Evidence?

“…The way in which science and research have engaged with government has undergone a considerable evolution in the second half of the 20th century (Reichmann, Wieser and Ross-Hellauer, 2020). As the science-policy interface evolved, so did conceptual models developed by social and political scientists (Gluckman, Bardsley and Kaiser, 2021). Before World War II, governments were entrusted with defining the common good.…”

Ten principles for achieving scientific impact with integrity in policy and management

“…Pielke (2007) considered that the honest broker has two defining qualities: they consider multiple policy options, and they seek to clarify the evidence associated with these. Knowledge brokerage is a muchused path to link the policy and the science communities, and knowledge brokers act at the interface between researchers/experts and decision-makers to present evidence in a way that informs policy options but does not determine policy development (Gluckman et al 2021). The importance of 'trusted advisors' has been emphasised in several studies of policy makers (Cullen 2006;Sarkki et al 2015).…”

Reflectie PBL-rekeninstrumentarium voor natuur

“…Echter niet alle problemen kunnen worden opgelost door een betere presentatie van uitkomsten. De kloof tussen wetenschap, beleid en praktijk wordt eveneens veroorzaakt door de complexiteit van opgaven en het verschil in kennis, perspectief en belangen tussen vertegenwoordigers van deze groepen (Gluckman et al, 2021). Hier ligt eerder een rol voor 'knowledge brokers', die als intermediair kunnen optreden.…”