Bringing research closer to policy: Potentials and challenges in
developing countries
Case studies from Indonesia
Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, Internal Seminar
Series
Room 10.05, Harold Hankins Building, Wednesday 13 May 2015,
15.00-16.30
Irsan Pawennei, Dinita Andriani Putri, Leonardus Kristianto
Nugraha, Yanuar Nugroho
Research has been believed to be a strategic undertaking through
which policy can be influenced, and made better. The term
evidence-based policy stems from the very idea that the influence
of research (which brings about evidence) is what makes up a sound
policy. However, often the need for particular research for policy
is not communicated, nor properly defined. Policy necessitates
research for few reasons; among the most fundamental is the support
for legitimate decision. Here comes the core problem of the demand
side that the policy or political decision is mostly, if not
always, made ex post the research. On the other hand, the supply
side has its own research agenda, perhaps driven by some conceptual
understanding, or advancement of theoretical and academic
reflection. But often the theoretical progress that drives research
is dis-embedded from the actuality (and factuality) that drives
policy. What concerns researchers the most is the advancement of
theories or conceptual thinking/understanding, rather than the
actual dynamics of the societal contexts in which they work and to
which the policy targets. To be concise, research communities
create their own research agenda in ways that are not linked to the
policy needs. The two are not communicating; the two are not
linked; the two are not connected non sequitur.
This seminar, intended for PhDs, DBAs and students with policy
and research interest, will share some experience from Indonesia in
which some particular research are to translate into, or influence,
policy and policymaking processes. Four cases are discussed: First,
how the outcome of the research on the political economy of media
(a collaboration between CIPG, HIVOS, and MIOIR funded by Ford
Foundation) has been used as a rationale to revise the countrys
broadcasting law. Second, the uptake of Pencerah Nusantara, an
initiative of a quasi-NGO to send young medical professionals to
the most remote areas in Indonesia, into a national-scale programme
managed directly by the Ministry of Health. Third, the case of
National Research Agenda that has shaped the roadmaps and strategic
planning of some ministries. Finally, the outcomes of foresight
exercises that shape the development planning of the current
administration in general, and in energy sector in particular.
Coffee will be served at 14.30
About the panellists: - Irsan Pawennei is the Executive Director
at the Centre for Innovation Policy & Governance - Dinita
Andriani Putri is the Operational Director at the Centre for
Innovation Policy & Governance - Leonardus Kristianto Nugraha
is the Research Manager at the Centre for Innovation Policy &
Governance - Yanuar Nugroho is an Honorary Research Fellow with
Manchester Institute of Innovation Research and
Deputy Chief of Staff at the Executive Office of the President
of the Republic of Indonesia
