Accessibility navigation


Policy windows for the environment: Tips for improving the uptake of scientific knowledge

Rose, D. C., Mukherjee, N., Simmons, B. I., Tew, E. R., Robertson, R. J., Vadrot, A. B.M., Doubleday, R. and Sutherland, W. J. (2020) Policy windows for the environment: Tips for improving the uptake of scientific knowledge. Environmental Science and Policy, 113. pp. 47-54. ISSN 1462-9011

[img]
Preview
Text (Open Access) - Published Version
· Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.
· Please see our End User Agreement before downloading.

429kB

It is advisable to refer to the publisher's version if you intend to cite from this work. See Guidance on citing.

To link to this item DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2017.07.013

Abstract/Summary

Scientific knowledge is considered to be an important factor (alongside others) in environmental policy-making. However, the opportunity for environmentalists to influence policy can often occur within short, discrete time windows. Therefore, a piece of research may have a negligible or transformative policy influence depending on when it is presented. These ?policy windows? are sometimes predictable, such as those dealing with conventions or legislation with a defined renewal period, but are often hard to anticipate. We describe four ways that environmentalists can respond to policy windows and increase the likelihood of knowledge uptake: 1) foresee (and create) emergent windows, 2) respond quickly to opening windows, 3) frame research in line with appropriate windows, and 4) persevere in closed windows. These categories are closely linked; efforts to enhance the incorporation of scientific knowledge into policy need to harness mechanisms within each. We illustrate the main points with reference to nature conservation, but the principles apply widely.

Item Type:Article
Refereed:Yes
Divisions:No Reading authors. Back catalogue items
ID Code:86718
Uncontrolled Keywords:evidence-based conservation,evidence-based policy,evidence-informed policy,horizon scanning,policy windows,science-policy interface
Publisher:Elsevier

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

University Staff: Request a correction | Centaur Editors: Update this record

Page navigation