Linkages Intent to shape policy matters The hard evidence of many cases supports the claim that intent matters. It matters precisely because the confu
{"Image DocumentName": "Intent to shape policy matters", "Image ImageDescription": "Linkages. Intent to shape policy matters. The hard evidence of many cases supports the claim that intent matters. It matters precisely because the confusions, tensions and accidents of the policy process itself turn out to be so complicated and unpredictable\u2026Research will only have a reliable influence on policy if it can survive\u2026 (O\u2019Neil, 2005: 762). Credibility of messenger may be as important as the message; this depends on social/institutional positioning and policy entrepreneurship skills. Intent. While it is recognised that ideas and new knowledge may percolate into policy circles gradually over time (Weiss, 1980) due to the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the policy process, empirical evidence suggests that researchers who intend to influence policy debates are more likely to be successful. This is because they are more likely to invest in the critical interpretative task of translating academic research findings into specific, context\u2011appropriate and measurable indicators and policy recommendations required by government officials and donors alike.[i] Credibility. Where channels of communication between domestic actors and the state are precarious, international networks may serve to amplify domestic groups\u2019 claims, bring pressure of international bodies and media attention to bear on domestic politics and thereby prise open new political spaces. In other cases, new ideas championed by northern NGOs may find much greater cultural resonance if they are communicated through local partners because of strong national discourses (eg indigenous rights, trade policy impacts). Working as part of a network also serves to hone an individual institution\u2019s understanding of different perspectives and to develop greater communication versatility.[i] Policy entrepreneur. A policy entrepreneur is an individual who invests time and resources to advance a position or policy (Kingdon, 1995). One of their most important functions is to change people\u2019s beliefs and attitudes about a particular issue. ODI has gone further in identifying different types of policy entrepreneurs: story-tellers who sense of complex realities is through simplified scenarios, networkers who facilitate coalitions and alliances; engineers who are engaged on the ground with street level bureaucrats and not just sitting in a laboratory; and political \u2018fixers\u2019 who understand the policy process and those who hold power in it (Court and Maxwell, 2006: 9). [1] Example of policy entrepreneurship Close working relationships between an education rights NGO and a local city government in Brazil led to the major and dept of education authorising the ngo to run the city education department \u2013 the first such case in brazil. Successful pilot projects of community-based curricula and teaching methods persuaded the city govt that it would be a good model to address the alarming statistics of educ dropout and under-performance.", "Image XResolution": "37", "Image YResolution": "37", "Image ResolutionUnit": "Pixels/Centimeter", "Image Software": "SlidePlayer", "Image YCbCrPositioning": "Centered"}