Most policy engagement is slow and methodical, aligning with the research process that can take years. However, many policy problems demand urgent attention, with solutions needed in days, weeks, or months. This is where policy sprints come in, offering rapid yet rigorous policy ideas.
Policy sprints are focused, time-bound, collaborative methods for developing options that address immediate needs. They draw from design thinking, agile project management, and rapid prototyping to create a flexible environment for exploring policy challenges with various stakeholders, including policy teams, agency staff, and researchers.
Interview with Peter Barbrook-Johnson
In this interview, Peter Barbrook-Johnson, Deputy Director of the Agile Initiative, introduces the programme and its mission to enhance the interaction between scientific evidence and policymaking. He explains the concept of Agile research sprints and highlights the importance of co-creation, interdisciplinarity, and equality, ensuring that diverse voices shape the research process. He also discusses the continuous improvement and feedback mechanisms within the Agile Initiative, providing practical examples of how the program has influenced policy decisions. This conversation offers insights into how researchers can engage with the Agile Initiative to contribute to impactful, timely research that informs policy.