Category:

Recommended (depending on need)

Description and Purpose:

The below ‘context, evidence, links’ model was designed as a theoretical model to highlight to researchers the different factors that are important in the policy process. However, it also lends itself well to a project planning framework, and has been adapted for this purpose in the grid below: ‘How to influence policy and practice’.

Method:

The below model has been adapted to provide easy-to-follow guidance in the grid below it.

How to Influence Policy and Practice: 

What researchers need to know	What researchers need to do	How to do it
Political Context: Who are the policymakers? Is there policymaker demand for new ideas? What are the sources/strengths of resistance? What is the policymaking process? What are the opportunities and timing for input?	Get to know the policymakers, their agendas and their constraints Identify potential supporters and opponents. Keep an eye on the horizon and prepare for opportunities in regular policy processes. Look out for, and react to, unexpected policy windows	Work with the policymakers. Seek commissions. Line up research programs with high-profile policy events Reserve resources to be able to move quickly to respond to policy windows Allow sufficient time and resources.
Evidence: What is the current theory? What are the prevailing narratives? How divergent is the new evidence? What sort of evidence will convince policymakers?	Establish credibility over the long term. Provide practical solutions to problems. Establish legitimacy. Build a convincing case and present clear policy options. Package new ideas in familiar theory or narratives Communicate effectively.	Build up programs of high quality work Action-research and Pilot projects to demonstrate benefits of new approaches. Use participatory approaches to help with legitimacy and implementation. Clear strategy for communication from the start.  Face-to-face communication.
Links: Who are the key stakeholders? What links and networks exist between them? Who are the intermediaries and do they have influence? Whose side are they on?	Get to know the donors, their priorities and constraints. Identify potential supporters, key individuals and networks. Establish credibility. Keep an eye on donor policy and look out for policy windows.	Develop extensive background knowledge on donor policies Orient communications to suit donor priorities and language Cooperate with donors and seek commissions Contact (regularly) key individuals.

Adapted from Tools for Policy Impact: A Handbook for Researchers Overseas Development Institute (ODI)