Evidence-based policymaking: A review

Abstract

The process of facilitating the uptake of evidence, for example, scientific research findings, into the policymaking process is multifaceted and thus complex. It is therefore important for scientists to understand this process in order to influence it more effectively. Similarly, policymakers need to understand the complexities of the scientific process to improve their interaction with the scientific sphere. This literature review addresses those factors that influence the uptake of scientific evidence into policymaking, the barriers to using science in policymaking, as well as recommendations for improved science-policymaking interaction. A visual diagram of the gears of a car is used to convey the message of the complexities around the engagement between science and policymaking. It is concluded that the issue of evidence-based policymaking remains unresolved and questions for future research on the science-policy interface are raised.http://www.sajs.co.za

Working at the Boundary: An Empirical Study into the Goals and Strategies of Knowledge Brokers in the Field of Environmental Governance in the Netherlands

“…First, the strategic production of knowledge appears to be a problem predominantly discussed by the interviewees with a policy background; scientists discussed the strategic production of knowledge to a lesser extent. This strategic behaviour is often addressed in the literature on science-policy interactions: for example, Strydom et al [43] argued that scientists keep science out of reach of policy makers in order to ensure that they retain their control on the interpretation of science. If policy makers experience this the most, it is hardly surprising that these knowledge brokers emphasise this issue.…”

“…These were inductively combined into three main goals (for a full explanation of these goals, we refer to the supplementary material), as presented in Figure 2. interactions: for example, Strydom et al [43] argued that scientists keep science out of reach of policy makers in order to ensure that they retain their control on the interpretation of science. If policy makers experience this the most, it is hardly surprising that these knowledge brokers emphasise this issue.…”

Promoting uptake and use of conservation science in South Africa by government

“…It may also not be presented in a digestible format. These factors, and the poor levels of engagement between scientists and policymakers (Gilson and McIntyre, 2008;Strydom et al, 2010), can limit the impact of science on policy.…”

“…If products are not presented in a way that is appealing, digestible and relevant to government departments, they are unlikely to be used, regardless of the quality or importance of the product. To ascertain these preferences, end-users need to advise the project team on how they would want specific scientific research products to be packaged (Johnson et al, 2008;Strydom et al, 2010). In the case of NFEPA, a long list of recommendations emerged from the engagement around packaging.…”

“…Policy implementation is the process by which recommendations that are developed in the initiation and formulation of policy are incorporated into practice by administration agencies (Heywood, 2002), known as government departments in South Africa. Scientists can influence decisions that support policy implementation by making researched recommendations about the best possible solutions for complex implementation-related challenges and by developing tools to support policy implementation (Mubyasi and Gonzalez-Block, 2005;Watson, 2005;Shisana and Louw, 2006;Shung-King, 2006;Campbell et al, 2007;McNie, 2007;Nienaber et al, 2010;Strydom et al, 2010). However, despite extensive international literature that exists on the science-policy interface and the issue of science uptake into policy implementation, this process is still not happening to the extent that it should (Hanney et al, 2003;Bowen and Zwi, 2005).…”