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This presentation by Ajoy Datta explores the linkages between researchers and legislators in developing countries, focusing on how legislators can access and utilize research to promote democratic governance. It provides findings from a comprehensive study encompassing formal and informal linkages, resources, and the impact of these connections on policy debates. The presentation highlights the importance of strengthening networks between research institutions and legislative bodies to enhance evidence-based policymaking. Key objectives include evaluating the quality of these linkages and identifying future research needs.
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Advancing knowledge, shaping policy, inspiring practice www.odi.org.uk
How legislators access research in some developing countries Ajoy Datta, Research Officer 8th December 2011
Values/ ideologies Faith leaders Ideological think tanks Faith based think tanks Media (g) Media (t) Political parties NGOs Internal think tanks Research Regulatory bodies Think tanks Legislature Executive Politics Technocratic networks Universities UN/ifi think tanks Public think tanks Lobbies corporations Economic interests
What I’m going to talk about • Findings from a study on linkages between researchers and legislators • Objectives and methods • Formal linkages • Informal linkages • Other resources
Study objectives and methods • Increasing interest on the role of the legislature in promoting democratic governance • Scope out how legislators access research • Literature review and interviews with variety of informants + APC • Diversity in income levels, political systems and traditions
Formal linkages with researchers In house capacity • Libraries • Information and research services • Scholars appointed to legislative committees • Legislature/committees with formal research agenda and resources to commission studies
Formal linkages with researchers External links to technocratic capacity • Affiliated think tanks • Individual researchers • Inputs to committee processes/help in drafting bills • Legislator scientist pairings (Uganda) • External think tanks • Networks and platforms
Formal linkages with intermediaries • Individuals such as legislative staff including aides, assistants and advisors • Research links with political parties • Organisations who are mandated to translate academic research into key messages for legislators • Research Councils
Informal links and personalised networks • Hugely dominant and often provide basis for formal links • Researchers called up on in a personal capacity • Based on high trust levels, strong relationships and shared political affiliation • Knowledge products often intangible and dependent on face to face contract • Faster information flows
Future work Strength of linkages in relation to: • Geographical focus • Political system • Type of legislature • Policy areas Evaluation of linkages • impact on quality of policy debates in parliaments
Other relevant studies • Increasing amount of work studying policy processes and policymakers’ demand/use of evidence • Politics of research uptake in African policy debates (forthcoming) • Political economy of policy making in Indonesia: opportunities for increasing the demand for and use of knowledge (report available at http://www.odi.org.uk/resources/details.asp?id=5985&title=policy-making-political-economy-indonesia-knowledge
ODI is the UK’s leading independent think tank on international development and humanitarian issues. We aim to inspire and inform policy and practice to reduce poverty by locking together high-quality applied research and practical policy advice.The views presented here are those of the speaker, and do not necessarily represent the views of ODI or our partners. 111 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7JD T: +44 207 9220 300 www.odi.org.uk a.datta@odi.org.uk