from demand to disinterest: contexts for policy influence fred carden international development...
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From Demand to Disinterest:Contexts for Policy Influence
Fred Carden
International Development Research Centre
October 2005
The Study
IDRC will foster and support the production, dissemination and application of research results leading to policies and technologies that enhance the lives of people in developing countries.
IDRC Program Directions 2000-2005
The Framework
Expanding Policy Capacities
Broadening Policy Horizons
Affecting Policy Regimes
Dimensions of Analysis
What we do (inputs)
Where we do it (context)
How we do it (action)
Where: External Factors
Stability of decision-making institutionsCapacity of decision-makers to use researchDecentralization vs tight controlCountries in « transition »Economic pressures
Where: Context Matters
1. Policy Maker Demand
2. Policy Maker Interest, Leadership Gap
3. Policy Maker Interest, Resources Gap
4. Policy Maker Neutral, Research Interest
5. Policy Maker Disinterest, Research Interest
time
Changes in ContextClear demand: MIMAP-S, Nepal ICTs, Viet Nam, Acacia (South Africa, Mozambique, Senegal, Uganda)
Policy Maker interest/leadership gap: TEHIP, MIMAP-B, MIMAP-P, LATN, G-24
PM interest, resources gap: Ukraine
PM neutral, research interest: High Altitude Mining, ECAPAPA, Arsaal (local), AFSSRN, SRISTI, Jordan, Copper Mining
PM disinterest, research interest: Syria, Arsaal (national)
Changes in ContextClear demand: MIMAP-S, Nepal ICTs, Viet Nam, Acacia (South Africa, Mozambique, Senegal, Uganda)
AFSSRN, SRISTIPolicy Maker interest/leadership gap: TEHIP, MIMAP-B, MIMAP-P, LATN, G-24
Copper Mining, JordanPM interest, resources gap : Ukraine
Arsaal (Local)PM neutral, research interest :
PM disinterest, research interest : Syria, Arsaal (national)
ECAPAPA, High Altitude Mining
Afterword on Use
Influence on Centre thinkingRe-shaping the conversationFocusing thinkingEvolving practiceEvolving futures
Influence on Centre profileThe story of influenceThe story of the study
From Demand to Disinterest:Contexts for Policy Influence
http://www.idrc.ca/evaluation/policy
What: Resources More money does not mean more influence
but it does make a difference Other factors:
Intellectual contributions Technical contributions Previous history with recipientDevelopment projects as part of research
What: Intent
No 1:1 correspondence between intent and influence Explicit intent encourages success
especially if the intent is shared Researcher intent matters most Other factors:
ContextLevel of influence (local/national)Timeline for results
What: IDRC Role
Role evolves over timeBuild researcher capacities
(quality, reputation, policy relevant research, communications)
Level the playing field
Build the capacity of policy makers
How: Partnerships
Factors in Effective partnerships/networks: Researchers: willingness, capacity, skills &
resources Map out structures & develop strategies
early on Create partnerships that reflect all
stakeholders Common vision – coordinate efforts among
partners
How: Communications
Communication through informationPassing on informationDialogue about the findingsFollow-up with key stakeholders
Communication through peoplePolicymakers as researchersResearchers as policy entrepreneursFinding allies
How: TimeExternal:
Government support: policy windowsInternal:
RelationshipsReputationPersistence
Project cycle:Supply approach – capacity & enlightenmentDemand approach - responsive
In Conclusion
Essential elementsIdentification of key decision makersBuilding relations of trust
Some tensions to considerAdvanced planning vs. flexibilityIDRC contributions (+/-)Inclusion of all stakeholdersOpportunities vs. funding cycles