In navigating the complexities of policy engagement, researchers must understand the policy landscape and identify opportunities to align their work with policy needs. Effective collaboration requires recognising the diverse inputs and competing arguments that influence policy decisions. Researchers can enhance their impact by embracing innovative thinking, building relationships with policy stakeholders, and acting as "translators" to bridge the gap between research and policy application.
Interview with Peter Singleton
In the following video, Peter Singleton from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) expands on these concepts. He discusses the types of academic research that significantly impact environmental policy, the importance of making research relevant to policy, and the role of researchers in thinking outside the box. Singleton shares practical advice and personal experiences, highlighting how research can drive meaningful changes and influence policy decisions.
What to do when your research is not aligned with current policy?
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Through no fault of their own, many researchers find that their research findings are at odds with prevailing thinking or ideology within the governments they are seeking to influence. Sometimes it feels like you might as well give up trying, as nobody is listening. But before you give up, there are a number of options you might want to consider:
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Wait for a change of minister. Although there might not be an election for some time, ministers change regularly and a new minister might have different views or priorities, which could open a window of opportunity for you to engage with them.
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Depending on the electoral cycle, work with an opposition party to get into their manifesto.
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Target a comparable country (within the UK or overseas). Collect evidence of impact to take back to your own government when there is a change of minister or ruling party.
Join or form a coalition with others (identified via the 3i analysis introduced in Module 1) opposed to current policy to try and build a joint impact/influencing strategy to achieve change.