Using Policy Labs as a process to bring evidence closer to public policymaking: a guide to one approach

• DOI: 10.1057/s41599-020-0453-0
• Publication Date: 2020-06-01T14:02:41Z
• Authors: Saba Hinrichs-Kra...; Jocelyn Bailey; Harriet Boulding; Bobby Duffy; Rachel Hesketh; Emma Kinloch; Alexandra Pollitt; Sarah Rawlings; Armida van Rij; Benedict Wilkinson; Ross Pow; Jonathan Grant
• Keywords: Evidence-Based Policy; Policy learning; Policy studies; Public Engagement

Abstract While robust evidence is one ingredient in the policymaking process, it by no means only one. Engaging with policymakers and process requires collaborative working models, navigating through experiences, values perspectives of other stakeholders, as well communicating an accessible manner. As a response to these requirements, over recent years there has been proliferation activities that engage producers (specifically, academics), policymakers, practitioners, public policy formulation, implementation evaluation. In this article, we describe engagement approach for facilitating research uptake into practice—an activity called ‘Policy Lab’—as conducted team at The Policy Institute King’s College London on numerous challenges past four years. Drawing our experience running 15 Labs between January 2015 September 2019, (a) provide guide how have run Labs, while sharing learning what worked best conducting them (b) demonstrate labs can contribute bringing closer policymaking, comparing their characteristics enablers doing so identified literature. not its kind, suggest types manifest previous studies influencing process; namely: providing forum open, honest conversations around topic; creating new networks, collaborations partnerships academics policymakers; synthesising available topic format; timely access relevant issue. We recognise limitations measuring evaluating change long-term recommend viewing Lab part engaging isolated activity. This serves build coalition participation diverse communities (thereby establishing ‘trust’), work language presentation enabling effective ‘translation’ evidence) early respond when windows emerge taking account ‘timing’ action).