Bridging Research and Policy in Development: Evidence and the change process

This is a crucial book for international development researchers who want the lessons of their research converted into changes in government and aid agency policy. International policy making is extremely complex and little studied. This book reviews what we do already know and provides a conceptual framework for future research. Through four case studies, ranging from local to international and from theory to practice, it explores the vital importance of cultures and structures, people, places and timing. International development work attracts some of the most intelligent entrants to the world of public service, young people who want their commitment to the shaping of a better world to be reflected in the policies of the ministries and agencies they have joined. This book will help to explain to those young people, and to their leaders in the international development community, how to bring about the changes in policy that will promote a true pro-poor development, based on the evidence of what works.

John Young is a Research Fellow and head of the Research and Policy in Development (RAPID) programme at the Overseas Development Institute.

Julius Court specializes in research, evaluation and training on the topics of governance and development; bridging research and policy; and strengthening southern research capacity. He gained extensive experience of institutional and programme management as Executive Officer in the Office of the President at the United Nations University in Tokyo, Japan (1996-2002) and he is currently on the Council of the UK Development Studies Association.

Ingie Hovland works on ethnography of development and organizational processes. She is currently completing a PhD at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.