1

Strengthening the quality of research for policy engagement in the African context – achievements and aspirations

Tebogo B. Seleka Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis

2

Indicators of research quality for policy engagement

• When executed research using credible methodologies in the field of analysis.

• Perceived as relevant by stakeholders.• In line with development priorities.• Communicated in understandable language to intended audience.• Promotes policy dialogue and change.• Advances social, economic or political development – recommendations

add value.

3

What influences research quality

• Quality of researchers (particularly SRF)- Identification of research areas- Technical analytical skills- Writing skills- Communication of findings • Research agenda setting – alignment with development priorities.• Staff motivation.• Resource availability• Funding arrangements.

4

Enhancing research quality

RESEARCH AGENDA SETTING• Its important to have a strategic plan to guide research activities.• Align research agenda to national, regional and international priorities –

can enhance funding.• But what should we focus on (everything or a few things)?• Create a balance – supply vs demand driven research.• But funding arrangements may affect agenda setting (e.g the need to do

consultancies) – may affect publication output.• Training and education of stakeholders to improve policy dialogue.

5

Enhancing research quality

QUALITY CONTROL• Quality of products and services affects reputation and survival.• Internal peer-review processes (seminars) – but are they effective?• External peer-review processes on publications.• But may be time-consuming for demand driven projects.

6

Enhancing research quality

STAFF MOTIVATIONAL ASPECTS

1. Setting expectation – annual performance contracts and reviews ( supply versus demand driven work).

2. Resource availability (computers, internet connectivity, training, etc).3. Optimal allocation of time between supply- and demand- driven work). 4. Personal development (prospects for publication growth and

advancement on the job and training, attendance of conferences, training opportunities).

5. Competitive pay package – link pay with performance.

7

Enhancing research quality

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT• High quality research not useful without effective communication.• Timing of dissemination is important?• Who is the target audience? (Interaction with senior government official

and policy advisors is important – current hot topics) – advocacy.• Use of advocacy groups for topics that may be relevant in future –

continuous policy dialogue.• Package of content.• Access to publications (free access ideal) – it’s a marketing tool and

investment for future.• Should there be policy forums (key stakeholders, senior government

officials, NGOs0?• Whom to discuss the results with first (media vs senior government

officials).

8

Enhancing research quality

TRAINING• Indentify on-the-job training needs (report writing, methodology training,

use of software)• Mentoring projects (choice of topic meant to develop specific skills).• Public policy analysis courses (key – impact assessments and program

evaluations).• Methodology workshops.• Long-term training is fundamental – limited skilled experts in the market.• Training of stakeholders essential – may enhance understanding of policy

recommendations) and promote policy dialogue and formulation.

9

Enhancing research quality

NETWORKING AND COLLABORATION• Collaboration enhances skills (eg development partners, universities,

other think tanks).• May enhance credibility of results and recommendations.• Exchange programs and sabbatical assignments also important.

10

ConclusionKey elements of research quality are:1. Highly qualified and motivated staff.2. Agenda setting based on development priorities.3. Effective stakeholder engagement.4. Networking and collaboration.