IFPRI 2 June 2011

Decision Context Clear policy maker demand Policy Maker Interest but resources gap Policy maker neutral but not researcher interest Policy maker disinterested/ hostile but researcher interest Initial Capacity building 1983-1986 Emphasis on policy, 1995–96 1980..........................................1985..............................................1990.....................................................1995.....................................2000 Making a difference : Mechanisms of Policy Influence Policy Maker Interest but Leadership gap Factors you can Influence Communications Relationship building Institution building Networks AFSSRN: Timeline of a Research Network http://www.idrc.ca/evaluation Fred Carden Director, Evaluation Research as Intervention Research Quality Research Networks Action Research New Tools Overall Context Decision Context Stability of decision making institutions Policy absorption capacity Nature of governance Opportunities for countries in transition Economic crisis and pressures on government Clear demand  Decision interest but leadership gap Interest but no capacity  Researcher Interest but lack of interest in decision community Decision disinterest or hostility Mechanism: So, what can you do? Relationship Building  Communication Networks of Influence  Institutional Mechanisms Outcomes Expanding Policy Capacity Broader Policy Horizons Changing Policy Regimes “Better” Decisions Realist Perspective General Context Consolidation and Policy Research, 1988–1994 Expansion 1985–1988 fcarden@idrc.ca Introduction Context Matters Findings Mechanisms A Framework Issues Contexts Mechanisms Outcomes Intent Matters Purposive Adaptive Time Matters Capacity of policy makers to apply research Governance: Decentralized or centralized Countries in transition Economic conditions Stability of Decision-making Institutions