Creating a Window of Opportunity for Policy Change.ppt

Creating a Window of Opportunity for Policy Change By Nancy Yinger, The Population Reference Bureau AMDD Conference Kuala Lumpur, 2003 Workshop Objectives Goal: To provide overview of the role of information in policy process. ? Topics: ?The research-to-policy gap A model of the policy process ?Policy-relevant findings, implications, and recommendations The importance of evaluation The Research-to-Policy Gap Large investments have been made in policy-relevant data collection and research.  Yet, opportunities for increasing knowledge and putting data to use are often lost. Researchers and decision makers work in different spheres. How is the gap manifested? Stereotypes Assumptions about how decisions are made Researchers Stereotypes of Policymakers Uninterested or too busy to read Reach hasty conclusions Actions unsubstantiated by data Distrust survey and research findings Limited perspective Should be responsible for drawing implications from the data Policymakers’ Stereotypes of Researchers Avoid policy implications of findings Prone to professional faddism Excessive use of technical jargon Inconclusive generalities about broad theoretical matters Little appreciation of real problems and data needs Assumptions about Decision-making Practice rational decision-making Prioritize goals and objectives Examine alternative solutions systematically Choose alternatives that maximize goals Policymaking is Not Linear A Window of Opportunity for Policy Change Moving the Spheres Together The Goal of Agenda Setting Help issues gain and keep the attention of: The media The public Policymakers Characteristics of Issues that Get on the Policy Agenda Clear, measurable indicators Policy champions Feasible policy or program alternatives Attention-focusing events Agenda Setting Activities Press conferences and other kinds of support for journalists Public events, seminars and speeches One-on-one meetings with policymakers Coalition Building Links together i