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

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Rose, David C., Mukherjee, Nibedita, Simmons, Benno I., Tew, Eleanor R., Robertson, Rebecca J., Vadrot, Alice B.M., Doubleday, Robert and Sutherland, William 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

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Abstract

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
Uncontrolled Keywords: evidence-based conservation,evidence-based policy,evidence-informed policy,horizon scanning,policy windows,science-policy interface
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Depositing User: Pure Connector
Date Deposited: 20 Sep 2017 05:06
Last Modified: 21 Oct 2022 16:31
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/64924
DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2017.07.013

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