scholarly journals Brokerage at the science–policy interface: from conceptual framework to practical guidance

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter D. Gluckman ◽  
Anne Bardsley ◽  
Matthias Kaiser
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Science Policy ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Boundary Function ◽  
Political Community ◽  
Knowledge Brokerage ◽  
Policy Dynamics ◽  
Science Policy Interface ◽  
Science Community

AbstractThis article analyses the conceptual framework of brokerage at the science–policy interface as an important boundary function to support trusted and transparent government decision-making. Policymaking involves a broad range of considerations, but science advice and evidence is critical to help inform decisions. However, mechanisms for requesting and receiving advice from the scientific community are not straightforward, considering that the knowledge needed generally spans multiple disciplines of the natural and social sciences. Once evidence has been appropriately synthesized, there remains the need to ensure an effective and unbiased translation to the policy and political community. The concept of knowledge brokerage revolves around an understanding of the ontologies, cultures and languages of both the policy community and the science community, in order to effectively link the two bidirectionally. In practical terms, this means ensuring that the information needs of the former are understood, and that the type and form of information offered by the latter aligns with those needs. Ideally, knowledge brokers act at the interface between researchers/experts and decision-makers to present evidence in a way that informs policy options but does not determine policy development. Conceptually, negotiating this interface involves acknowledging that values are embedded in the scientific process and evidentiary synthesis, and in particular, in considering the inferential risks inherent in making evidence claims. Brokers are faced with navigating complex policy dynamics and balancing information asymmetries between research providers and users. Building on the conceptual analysis and examination of the nuances of brokerage observed in practice, we propose a set of guidelines to translate the concepts of brokerage to practical application.

Bridging the science-policy gap in a transition-country setting: enablers and barriers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Micha Werner ◽  
Nora van Cauwenbergh ◽  
Tibor Stigter ◽  
Leonardo Alfonso Segura ◽  
Teresita Betancur Vargas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Policy Implementation ◽  
Science Policy ◽  
Scientific Knowledge ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Science And Policy ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Science Policy Interface ◽  
Scientific Results

<p>Despite a significant increase in attention for uptake of scientific results, the integration of emerging science in policy development and implementation remains challenging. The persistent gap between science and policy may frustrate the parties involved. For the scientists, the intended impacts of what are typically very much applied research efforts remain unattained. Those involved in policy implementation and development may perceive a lack of scientific support. This may particularly be the case in transitional countries, where the development of science may struggle to keep up with rapid societal and policy development; with several factors either impeding or facilitating the uptake of emergent scientific knowledge.</p><p>We implemented a series of participatory and action research activities to support the development and implementation of groundwater management policies in Colombia and explore barriers and enabling conditions to a functional science-policy interface. The factors that either impede or facilitate the process are examined through three case studies in different regions of the country. Although the national policies that govern groundwater resources management in these three areas are the same; the degree to which scientific knowledge is used to support policy implementation varies. Several factors are identified that influence the effectivity of the linkage, including among others; the availability of scientific knowledge; the establishing of trust relationships and positioning of institutions and stakeholders; as well as institutional readiness in supporting the policy implementation process. This comparison provides useful insight into how addressing some of the impeding factors may enrich the science-policy process.</p>

scholarly journals The science-policy interface in transboundary water management regimes: the case of Lake Victoria

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina S. Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Environmental Policy ◽  
Science Policy ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Lake Victoria ◽  
Transboundary Water ◽  
Management Regime ◽  
Management Regimes ◽  
Science Policy Interface ◽  
Transboundary Water Management

The degree that science is integrated into environmental policy processes is dependent on the policymakers' perception of the role and utilization of science in policy development. Using existing literature and interviews with key individuals in North America and Uganda engaged in environmental policy development, this thesis argues that adopting a positivist approach to policy development strengthens the science-policy interface and can result in more effective policies. This interface is examined in the context of transboundary water management, and specifically in East Africa's Lake Victoria management regime. This paper illustrates how the relationship between science and policy is evolving in a difficult ecological, socio-economic and political setting, and how the tensions that exist are attempting to be resolved. It is observed that the science-policy divergence can be exacerbated in transboundary areas. This requires scientists and policymakers to be cognizant of these challenges, and to adopt tools to strengthen the interface for the development of effective transboundary water management regimes.

scholarly journals The science-policy interface in transboundary water management regimes: the case of Lake Victoria

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina S. Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Environmental Policy ◽  
Science Policy ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Lake Victoria ◽  
Transboundary Water ◽  
Management Regime ◽  
Management Regimes ◽  
Science Policy Interface ◽  
Transboundary Water Management

The degree that science is integrated into environmental policy processes is dependent on the policymakers' perception of the role and utilization of science in policy development. Using existing literature and interviews with key individuals in North America and Uganda engaged in environmental policy development, this thesis argues that adopting a positivist approach to policy development strengthens the science-policy interface and can result in more effective policies. This interface is examined in the context of transboundary water management, and specifically in East Africa's Lake Victoria management regime. This paper illustrates how the relationship between science and policy is evolving in a difficult ecological, socio-economic and political setting, and how the tensions that exist are attempting to be resolved. It is observed that the science-policy divergence can be exacerbated in transboundary areas. This requires scientists and policymakers to be cognizant of these challenges, and to adopt tools to strengthen the interface for the development of effective transboundary water management regimes.

scholarly journals Chemical Exposure: European Citizens’ Perspectives, Trust, and Concerns on Human Biomonitoring Initiatives, Information Needs, and Scientific Results

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1532
Author(s):  
Maria Uhl ◽  
Ricardo R. Santos ◽  
Joana Costa ◽  
Osvaldo Santos ◽  
Ana Virgolino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Policy Decision ◽  
Human Biomonitoring ◽  
Chemical Exposure ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Scientific Results

Over the last few decades, citizen awareness and perception of chemical products has been a topic of interest, particularly concerning national and international policy decision makers, expert/scientific platforms, and the European Union itself. To date, few qualitative studies on human biomonitoring have analysed communication materials, made recommendations in terms of biomonitoring surveillance, or asked for feedback in terms of specific biomonitoring methods. This paper provides in-depth insight on citizens’ perceptions of knowledge of biomonitoring, impact of chemical exposure on daily life, and claims on how results of research should be used. Four semi-structured focus groups were held in Austria, Portugal, Ireland, and the United Kingdom (UK). The cross-sectional observational qualitative design of this study allows for better understanding of public concern regarding chemicals, application, and use of human biomonitoring. The main findings of this study include citizens’ clear articulation on pathways of exposure, the demand on stakeholders for transparent decision-making, and sensitivity in communication of results to the public. Validated and trustful communication is perceived as key to empowering citizens to take action. The results can be used to facilitate decision-making and policy development, and feeds into the awareness needs of similar and future projects in human biomonitoring. Furthermore, it also brings to light ideas and concepts of citizens’ in shaping collaborative knowledge between citizens’, experts, scientists, and policy makers on equal terms.

scholarly journals Country Representatives’ Perceptions of the Biodiversity Science-Policy Interface

Conservation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-81
Author(s):  
André Derek Mader ◽  
Brian Alan Johnson ◽  
Yuki Ohashi ◽  
Isabella Fenstermaker
Keyword(s):  
Science Policy ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Science And Policy ◽  
Biodiversity Knowledge ◽  
Biodiversity Science ◽  
Science Policy Interface ◽  
Adequate Quality ◽  
The Subject

Biodiversity knowledge is communicated by scientists to policymakers at the biodiversity “science-policy interface” (SPI). Although the biodiversity SPI is the subject of a growing body of literature, gaps in our understanding include the efficacy of mechanisms to bridge the interface, the quality of information exchanged between science and policy, and the inclusivity of stakeholders involved. To improve this understanding, we surveyed an important but under-studied group—biodiversity policymakers and scientific advisors representing their respective countries in negotiations of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). We found that a wide variety of SPI mechanisms were being used. Overall, they were considered to be sufficiently effective, improving over time, and supplied with information of adequate quality. Most respondents, however, agreed that key actors were still missing from the biodiversity SPI.

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