A framework to guide research engagement in the policy process, with application to small-scale fisheries

Ecology and Society: a journal of integrative science for resilience and sustainability

article

Blake D. Ratner¹  Mark J. Dubois²  Tiffany H. Morrison³  Xavier Tezzo⁴  Andrew M. Song⁵  Emmanuel Mbaru⁶  Sloans K. Chimatiro⁷  Philippa J. Cohen⁸ 

[1] Collaborating for Resilience;International Water Management Institute;ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University;Wageningen University;University of Technology Sydney, C-SERC ,(Climate, Society & Environment Research Centre);Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute;Tayali Analytics;Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University;WorldFish

关键词: action research;    dialogue;    governance;    partnerships;    policy reform;    power;   

DOI  :  10.5751/ES-13604-270445

学科分类：生物科学（综合）

来源: Resilience Alliance Publications

【 摘 要 】

Research-engaged decision making and policy reform processes are critical to advancing resilience, adaptation, andtransformation in social-ecological systems under stress. Here we propose a new conceptual framework to assess opportunities forresearch engagement in the policy process, building upon existing understandings of power dynamics and the political economy ofpolicy reform. We retrospectively examine three cases of research engagement in small-scale fisheries policy and decision making, atnational level (Myanmar) and at regional level (Pacific Islands region and sub-Saharan Africa), to illustrate application of the frameworkand highlight different modes of research engagement. We conclude with four principles for designing research to constructively anditeratively engage in policy and institutional reform: (a) nurture multi-stakeholder coalitions for change at different points in the policycycle, (b) engage a range of forms and spaces of power, (c) embed research communications to support and respond to dialogue, and(d) employ evaluation in a cycle of action, learning, and adaptation. The framework and principles can be used to identify entry pointsfor research engagement and to reflect critically upon the choices that researchers make as actors within complex processes of change.

【 授权许可】

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