How research brokers and intermediaries support evidence-based pro-poor policy and practice

An analysis of the Locating the Power of In-between Conference

Catherine Fisher, Institute of Development Studies

I-K-Mediary Workshop, Brighton 4th November 09

“information intermediaries are not just one off, short term projects. They are a central and critical part of the development puzzle.”

What we’ll cover

Context of evidence based policy and practice

Where are the intermediaries in that picture?

Discussion

What contribution can intermediaries make?

Recommendations for intermediaries

“…the champion for the issues and ideas emerging from the conference will be the I-K-Mediary Network…”

Context of evidence based policy and practice

Evidence-based policy remains an aspiration if not a reality

Need to look beyond the research-policy connection

Opinion divided on whether plurality of evidence contributes to better decision making

1. An emerging picture: the intermediary as enabler of information flows

Range of actors specifically concerned with info flows and knowledge sharing between actors

Less interested in specific outcomes or decisions

2. Established intermediaries have been joined by new kinds of hybrid intermediary actors

Libraries, extension and media still important

Everyone is an intermediary now!

But emergence of new, deliberate programmes that don’t fit into old categories

“my understanding of intermediary roles has been blown up! There are horizontal roles, vertical roles, one-way, two-way, multi-way, 360 degrees”

3. A range of intermediary roles – engaged and behind the scenes

Just in case and just in time

Both roles needed to make a difference

4. The origins of intermediary actors matter and shape how the role is played

Librarians, extension workers, researchers interpret and play the role differently

Cross fertilisation of ideas is powerful!

5. No universal acceptance that knowledge and information intermediaries are required

Some thought direct connections were more important, no need for brokers

Others question value of multiple perspectives

Just a new bunch of jobs?

Intermediaries contribution

1. Making information edible

Summarising, synthesising or translating

Switching communication channels

Responding to info needs

2. Enabling access

Digitising information

Preserving information

Organising information

3. Creating demand for information

Promoting value of research

Information literacy/capabilities

4. Creating alternative framings

Bringing together non-mainstream material /voices

Highlighting different ways of seeing an issue

5. Supporting marginalised voices to be heard

Showcasing less prominent voices

Searching out less obvious material

Using leverage to create spaces for engagement

6. Making connections between different spheres of action

Between policy formulation, implementation and evaluation

Between different disciplines

Between policy, community and academia

Intermediaries contribution

Discussion questions:

What examples do you know of this different kind of contribution?

In which areas is your service active and how?

Are there types of contribution missing?

Recommendations for intermediaries

Go beyond being a repository

Engage with political nature of the role

Collaborate for info flows

Develop standards and professionalise the role

Remember…

“…the champion for the issues and ideas emerging from the conference will be the I-K-Mediary Network…”

Lets discuss!