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This paper considers the role of evidence in public policy and how
research can contribute to
better policies and innovations in practice. It formed the basis of
a keynote address given by the
author at the inaugural Vocational Training and Education Research and
Networking
Conference, hosted by the Regional Centre for Vocational and Technical
Education and Training
of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation in Bali in
July 2008.
Making research matter argues that the right institutional and cultural
settings need to be in place
before the research can play its proper role in policy-making.
Key messages
- The vast growth in the volume and access to information
in the twenty-first century
presents opportunities to applied research organisations.
They can assume the role of
knowledge-brokers - the people who sift through the vast,
confusing mass of
information, and help others, politicians and citizens alike,
to make sense of it.
- In addition to the typical skills researchers
bring to their craft, those aiming to influence
policy must develop a good understanding of the context
in which their work may be
used, especially political awareness. These attributes must,
however, be balanced against
rigorous and independent research.
- Evaluations have a place
in applied research programs. To be effective in informing
policy and practice, they need to be frank about failures
as well as successes. This
requires a greater tolerance of risk than prevails in
Australian policy and research circles.
- Clearly articulated research
findings, which are disseminated in a timely fashion, will also
increase the impact of research efforts and, in turn,
help to establish the parameters in
which research is embraced as a policy tool.
Tom Karmel
Managing Director, NCVER
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