Policy Development in Practice: Tools and Innovation for Integrating Knowledge Types

The aim of the research is to explore how policymakers can overcome the challenges they face in integrating knowledge and data
for future governance. This study will use an online-based Delphi study to collect data and to develop a framework to implement
interdisciplinary and system's thinking approaches in developing future policies in low income countries. There is substantial
anecdotal evidence on the practical successes and struggles faced in utilising integrative forms of knowledge production for policy,
and particular areas of analytic innovation seem applicable and successful in integrative knowledge production for policy: e.g.
futures processes, participatory systems mapping exercises, and design-based techniques. However, little has been systematically
summarised about the difficulties faced in their practice, or why some innovations possess greater popularity and legacy above
others. Either in practice and theory, we need to recognise what is working, why, and in what context, or what does not.
Primary research question: How do policy analysts integrate knowledge effectively in practice and how can this benefit lowincome
communities?
- R1: How can African policymakers overcome the challenges in integrating knowledge and data for implementing better
governance mechanisms?
- R2: How can we develop an interdisciplinary approach and a system's thinking framework for African policymakers?
- R3: What kind of methods are suitable for developing this framework? (i.e. participatory tools, qualitative, quantitative,
mixed methods)
- R4: What really works and how easily are interdisciplinary and systems thinking methods learnt and adopted by current
policymakers in Africa?