DevDays DocShop 2024. How to make an impact? Research based policymaking and advocacy.

During the first DocShop of the year, we urged doctoral researchers to explore the relationship between research and policymaking. We summarize here four key elements for your consideration as you navigate this complex connection.

UniPID DocNet is an initiative that aims to support development research doctoral training, through a series of activities and events encouraging the interdisciplinary approaches within development research. As part of the Development Days Conference 2024, UniPID and the Finnish Society for Development Research (FSDR) hosted the first doctoral workshop of the year, focusing on the intricate and vital connection between research and policymaking, particularly emphasizing its complexity within the realm of development studies.

The session required a pre-assignment, suggesting participants listen to the Detangling Development podcast episode “Research-based development policy”. In this episode, Secretary General of the Finnish Development Policy Committee Marikki Karhu dived into the nuanced relationship between policymaking and research in the field of global development. Therefore, the Docshop aimed to address the challenges faced by both policymakers and researchers in navigating this complexity.

The session took place at the University of Helsinki and comprised two key segments: a panel and a group discussion. We were honored to have an excellent panel discussion, expertly moderated by Marikki Karhu. The panel included Niko Humalisto (Leading Advocacy Specialist, FELM, docent at the Department of Geographical and Historical Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies), Neema Komba (Doctoral Researcher at the Department of Entrepreneurship, Management and Organization at Hanken School of Economics University), Pekka Seppälä (Senior Adviser, Department for Development Policy, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland ), and Alfredo Saad-Filho (professor of Political Economy and International Development at King’s College London, UK), who shared their insights on the challenges and significance of bridging the gap between research and policymaking.

Following the engaging panel discussion, both online and in-person participants were encouraged to reflect on the relevance of policymaking in their research and explore ways to advocate impact throughout their research journey.

In case you were unable to join us, below we highlight the four main takeaways of the session:

1. The relationship between research and policymaking is vital.

“Long-term research should be the foundation of every policy. Without it, we would be dancing in the dark, just guessing and not really knowing”. This statement was emphasized by Karhu in the podcast episode. During the discussion, it became evident that there is a need to further build the bridge between academia and the public sector, urging researchers to identify (or create) spaces for engaging in public discussions.

2. The reality of advocacy work.

Despite recognizing the importance of research-based policymaking, participants acknowledged a gap between ideals and realities. Some doctoral researchers expressed challenges in capturing policymakers' attention, especially for young researchers who must contend with various aspects during their studies, such as funding uncertainty. These issues can deprioritize the reality of advocating for impact. Not to mention, there is limited space and opportunities for dialogue and attracting the attention of policymakers, making the implementation of research outcomes difficult.

3. Then, how to call for advocacy as part of the research journey?

Participants stressed the importance of fostering dialogue, approaching practitioners, and collaborating with networks. Seppälä highlighted the human aspect of policymakers, encouraging researchers to approach them confidently. Similarly, Humalisto pointed out that making an impact should be a joint effort and that knowledge production should be based on the idea of co-construction. Saad-Filho emphasized the importance of writing concise pieces like blogs to reach diverse audiences beyond academia. Finally, Komba mentioned that a good and practical tip for advocacy is approaching networks, collaborating with other researchers, and being willing to collaborate with people outside academia.

4. Be confident and enjoy what you are doing.

Finally, the panel emphasized the significance of confidence and enjoyment in the research process. Researchers were encouraged to find pleasure in their work, as confidence and enjoyment are crucial when communicating findings and results to others.

The workshop provided a thought-provoking space for participants to continue the discussion and the self-reflection. The ongoing debate on the complex relationship between research and policymaking is essential and needs to be a permanent process for both researchers and practitioners. Initiatives like UniPID Development Policy Studies may serve as a good example for the discussion, as it aims to foster collaboration between the research community and ministry officials.

You can watch the recording of the session on our YouTube channel.

What’s next? If you are interested in engaging in more discussions like this one, do not forget to join our DocNet community here. Get ready to participate in the next DocShop event on “Decolonizing research practices” in April 2024 in the context of the International Forest Policy Meeting 5 (IFPM5). Registration opens on 29 February. Find more information here.

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Photo credits: Conor O'Nolan, 2018 on UnSplash.