Trends and issues in evidence-informed policymaking

The ‘evidence-based policy’ movement has argued that systematic use of best-available evidence is the main route to improved policy and program outcomes, and the best defence against the populist excesses of... [ view full abstract ]

The ‘evidence-based policy’ movement has argued that systematic use of best-available evidence is the main route to improved policy and program outcomes, and the best defence against the populist excesses of ‘post-truth’ politics. Critics point to the highly selective and politicized use of evidence in real policymaking. In terms of a realistic middle ground, the concept of institutionalizing some key features of evidence production and utilization has become attractive. The concern in previous generations was to boost investment in data collections and in analytical skills and training. However the more advanced countries are now turning increased attention to producing and evaluating guidance materials for evidence-informed professional practice and for promoting interaction between public and community-based knowledge networks. Systemic obstacles to adoption of expert knowledge are well-known. These include the politicized context of policy debates and governmental commitments, the search for political compromises, low awareness of evaluation findings on the part of public officials, and ineffective communication by researchers and other experts. Hence, a number of ‘bridging’ and ‘brokering’ strategies have emerged to promote closer linkages, and more attention is being paid to crafting key messages and enhancing communication. This paper outlines eight underlying challenges for strengthening evidence-informed policymaking into the future.