From: Practical lessons for bringing policy-makers on board in sexual and reproductive health research
 | Challenges | CERCA | DIFFER | INPAC | MOMI | Solutions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Challenges depending on individual characteristics of policy-makers | Strategies address different challenges simultaneously. Here are listed the most common solutions implemented by the projects to overcome obstacles: 1. Adapt modes of communication, rhythm and language to policy-makers’ needs. 2. Ensure regularity of communication at all stages of the research process. 3. Be coherent with national and local policies. 4. Build on long-term relationships and networks. 5. Encourage the participation of different types of policy-makers. 6. Consider incentives (financial or training) for policy-makers to engage. | |||||
1 | Lack of motivation to engage in the project | x | x | x | x | |
2 | Reluctance to share data with project researchers and staff | x | Â | x | Â | |
3 | Lack of knowledge about research processes and credibility of research results | x | x | Â | Â | |
Structural challenges – policy-making structures and local consortia partners | ||||||
1 | Geographical distance | x | x | Â | Â | |
2 | Time constraints to engage in the project | x | Â | x | x | |
3 | Personnel turnover at local and national levels | x | Â | x | x | |
4 | Lack of weight of the local consortium partner as an organization towards policy-makers | x | x | Â | Â | |
5 | Translation activities time-consuming and stretching staff capacity for local consortium partners | Â | x | Â | Â | |
6 | Translation activities frustrating and non-rewarding for local consortium partners | Â | x | Â | x |