Short answer
Design projects aiming to influence policy must proactively build bridges between research and decision-making bodies, recognizing the researcher's potential as a key intermediary.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- European Journal of Development Research (2022)
- Method
- Empirical study
- Sample
- 40 participants
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
University-based researchers can act as crucial knowledge brokers, translating complex climate science into actionable policy recommendations, but require greater institutional support and strategic engagement methods. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2022 study published in European Journal of Development Research. Using Empirical study with 40 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design projects aiming to influence policy must proactively build bridges between research and decision-making bodies, recognizing the researcher's potential as a key intermediary.
University Researchers Can Bridge the Science-Policy Gap for Climate Action
University-based researchers can act as crucial knowledge brokers, translating complex climate science into actionable policy recommendations, but require greater institutional support and strategic engagement methods.
European Journal of Development Research · 2022
Key Findings
- 01Researchers exhibit diverse attitudes towards policy engagement.
- 02A variety of engagement methods are employed.
- 03Preference exists for collaboration with government and civil society over the private sector.
- 04A need for increased university support for policy engagement is perceived.
- 05Strengthening North-South knowledge exchange and incentives for policy engagement is crucial, particularly for researchers in the Global South.
Application
Design takeaway
Design projects aiming to influence policy must proactively build bridges between research and decision-making bodies, recognizing the researcher's potential as a key intermediary.
How to apply
When designing initiatives for climate action or other complex societal challenges, actively map out potential knowledge brokers and design mechanisms to support their role in translating research into policy.
Project actions
- 01Consider who the 'knowledge brokers' are in your design project's field.
- 02Think about how your design can help connect different groups (e.g., researchers and policymakers).
- 03Investigate what kind of support is needed for these brokers to be effective.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Empirical data from multiple countries provides a broader perspective.
- +Focuses on the practical experiences of researchers.
Limitations
This study is specific to climate policy and university researchers; findings might differ for other fields or types of experts.
Reliability & validity
The study's validity is enhanced by its multi-country sample, but reliability might be affected by the qualitative nature of the data and potential researcher bias in interpreting experiences.
Think critically
To what extent can design itself act as a form of knowledge brokering, and how can design methodologies be adapted to better support researchers in this role?
Design Principles
"Facilitate knowledge exchange between research and policy through targeted engagement strategies and institutional support."
Effective climate action hinges on translating scientific understanding into practical policy. This research highlights the vital role of academics in this process, suggesting that design projects aiming for societal impact must consider how to facilitate this knowledge exchange.
What This Means for Your Design
University professors and scientists can help governments make better decisions about climate change, but they need more help from their universities and better ways to talk to policymakers.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of bridging the gap between research findings and practical application in your design project.
- 2.Use it to justify the need for stakeholder engagement and knowledge dissemination strategies.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the critical role of university-based researchers as knowledge brokers in translating complex scientific information into actionable policy, particularly for climate action. The findings suggest that effective policy development requires not only robust scientific input but also deliberate strategies to foster collaboration between researchers and decision-makers, underscoring the need for institutional support and diverse engagement methods to bridge the science-policy gap.
Source
European Journal of Development Research
University-Based Researchers as Knowledge Brokers for Climate Policies and Action
journal · 2022
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about university researchers can bridge the science-policy gap for climate action?
- Design projects aiming to influence policy must proactively build bridges between research and decision-making bodies, recognizing the researcher's potential as a key intermediary. Evidence: European Journal of Development Research (2022).
- Why does "University Researchers Can Bridge the Science-Policy Gap for Climate Action" matter for design?
- Effective climate action hinges on translating scientific understanding into practical policy. This research highlights the vital role of academics in this process, suggesting that design projects aiming for societal impact must consider how to facilitate this knowledge exchange.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design projects aiming to influence policy must proactively build bridges between research and decision-making bodies, recognizing the researcher's potential as a key intermediary.
- What were the main findings?
- Researchers exhibit diverse attitudes towards policy engagement.. A variety of engagement methods are employed.. Preference exists for collaboration with government and civil society over the private sector.. A need for increased university support for policy engagement is perceived.
- What research method was used?
- Empirical study with 40 participants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2022 journal from European Journal of Development Research.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing initiatives for climate action or other complex societal challenges, actively map out potential knowledge brokers and design mechanisms to support their role in translating research into policy.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focuses on university-based researchers and may not fully represent other knowledge brokers; the specific political contexts of the four countries could influence findings.