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How (and why) write a policy article? 12 December 2011 Dr Jenni Viitanen Research Fellow. Outline. About think tanks and IPPR Think tanks as a career Constructing a policy article Practical exercise Things to remember Conclusion/ Q&A. (no time to) think, thanks. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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How (and why) write a policy article?
12 December 2011
Dr Jenni ViitanenResearch Fellow
OutlineAbout think tanks and IPPR
Think tanks as a career
Constructing a policy article
Practical exercise
Things to remember
Conclusion/ Q&A
(no time to) think, thanks
What is a think tank?
Not-for-profit independent research institute influenced by values, aims to communicate
research into practical policy: advocacy role. Sits somewhere between a university, consultancy,
(government) policy advisor and pressure group.We’re also a ‘do-tank’: practical projects,
volunteering etc.
About IPPRIPPR is the UK’s largest independent think tank – established in 1988
‘Progressive’, ‘pluralist’ and ‘centre-left’
The only Westminister-based thinktank with offices in Newcastle and Manchester
We also draw on the expertise of Associate Fellows and a Policy Advisory Council
Conduct research based on our values: social justice, democracy, environmental sustainability
Dissemination, impact/influence, policy relevance and advocacy
Areas of workPower and Politics
New Era Economics
Family, Community & Work
Migration, Trade and Development
Public Service Reform
Energy, Transport & the Environment
IPPR North: Localism Lab, Future of the Northern Economy, Creative and Capable Communities
Future career path
• Intern, Researcher, Research Fellow, Senior Research Fellow and Associate Director. Also support and specialist staff: media, external affairs, web/publications, admin & finance
• Moving on, from a thinktank, a political career could be launched (SpAd, MP), obvious non-political trajectories include academia, consultancy, civil service or media
Why should you bother?
It’s a competitive process
• Access to audience• Space to argue • Lower bar to entry • Build a profile/ CV • Influence/ ‘impact’ Ask yourself: do you care about public policy?
What is your motivation?
How to succeed?
Where to start
• A topical peg• Strong argument• Supporting evidence• A plug for your research/ previous work?• The right length – keep to word limit
Pitching – who, why, what?
Think about the audience and how to structure your argument, eg:
– Cuts are hitting northern councils hardest.– Northern councils have greatest need for £ because they deal
with worse problems.– New analysis by IPPR shows how local tax raising powers could
boost localism & counter the cuts.
You’re targeting METIS, the journal of IPPR@universities – have a look at previous volumes
Structuring your paper
• Peg• Argument• Evidence• Argument• Plug• Conclude by returning to peg / or ‘moral of the story’• Recommendations? For METIS, use sub-headings to structure the paper
Pegs that are timeless rather than topical
• Shocking fact• Powerful quote• Personal experience• Your research
It’s not one size (or style) fits all
Different types of writing strategies
• Rebuttal• Analysis behind the headlines• Counter-intuitive• Spreading the word• Look forward / preview / curtain-raiser• Look back / wrap up• Theoretical argument – only if policy implications are
evident
It takes time…
…so make time.
Start now!
Let’s get stuck in
Practical (35 mins)
• In groups of X, write a pitch which outlines your proposed article, the ‘peg’ , the ‘plug’ the main argument/s and conclusion (15-20 mins)
• Feedback (15 mins)
Ps.
Useful facts
• Submission deadline: 17 January 2012• Word limit: 1500• Style: not an academic essay, but use Harvard• Purpose: profile and feedback• Top tip 1: the clarity of your argument is key • Top tip 2: present professionally
The end.
Any questions? Please ask
Further information from ippr.manchester@gmail.com
Thanks and happy writing!
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