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Converting Policy Research into Policy Decisions: The Role of Communication and the Media

Publication date: 2005

Source: The Haworth Press

21 May 2008 | EN

Research can only contribute to the progress of humanity once it is effectively communicated to policymakers so that it can influence decisions and actions. This article explores the link between research and decision-making systems, and suggests strategies for more effective communication.
 
The author stresses the importance of providing information that is comprehensible and useful to policymakers. The best stages of the policymaking process to introduce research results are explained, as is the need to simplify, translate and condense research reports — and package and present them attractively to hold policymakers' attention.

The mass media is an effective way of getting policymakers interested in a research issue, but only if communicators are able to make the issue attractive. Ways to increase the media appeal of research policy related news are suggested, as is the need to equip researchers and analysts with improved communication skills that will help bridge the research-policy gap.

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