Description
An increasing and important requirement of any funded research program is the ability to demonstrate that it is relevant and useful to public policy and to practitioners. This study takes the framework NCVER developed for measuring research impact to assess the outcomes from research and activities funded under the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth Research Innovation and Expansion Fund. It finds that the purpose of the fund, to start a ripple effect in the use of the LSAY data, was met, and that the research undertaken had strong resonances in the media as well as proving useful to government officials and practitioners working in the area of youth transitions.
Summary
About the research
The purpose of this project is to apply the framework developed by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) for measuring research impact to assess the outcomes of the research and activities funded under the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) Research Innovation and Expansion Fund (RIEF). LSAY provides a rich source of information about young people and their transitions from school to post-school destinations. The purpose of the Research Innovation and Expansion Fund was to facilitate an increase in the quantity, quality, distribution and accessibility of youth transitions research and analysis using LSAY data in the academic and public policy communities. The RIEF involved a variety of activities, including a competitive research grants program and a fellowship, and has led to the publication of six research reports, a national youth policy forum and data workshops.
Key messages
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The purpose of the fund — to expand the use of LSAY data — was achieved through:
- providing a number of researchers with the opportunity to undertake projects using LSAY data,
- many for the first time, and developing their skills to subsequently engage in other projects
- using LSAY data
- extending the awareness of LSAY data to national and international research communities
- imparting end-users with the knowledge and awareness of how LSAY data can be used
- disseminating research to a wide range of policy and practitioner networks.
- The results of the fund have proved useful to key stakeholders. In terms of direct evidence of the impact on policy, one of the research reports was cited in a parliamentary legislation amendment bill. Research was also used to validate initiatives already underway or to inform the establishment of new programs.
This study reinforces the point that the interplay between research and policy is complex. Nevertheless, in this case, connections between policy, practice and research have been strengthened as a result of the Research Innovation and Expansion Fund. This study also confirms the effectiveness of NCVER processes for the dissemination of research. We note the importance of a media release for immediate impact. Policy forums and engaging directly with policy-makers and other stakeholders can also play a very positive part.
Tom Karmel
Managing Director, NCVER