Promoting uptake: interventions aimed at encouraging greater engagement with and use of research based information. Presentation by Jennifer Ligution, PIDS (Philippines) at the Locating the Power of the In-Between conference July 08
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Development Policy Research Month (DPRM): Promoting a Culture of Research By Jennifer P.T. Liguton Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Presented during the Session on “Promoting Uptake” of the Locating the Power of In- Between Conference held on July 1-2, 2008 at the Centurion Lake Hotel, South Africa and sponsored by the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex and the Human Sciences Resource Council in South Africa.
Transcript
Development Policy Research Month (DPRM): Promoting a Culture of ResearchBy Jennifer P.T. Liguton
Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS)
Presented during the Session on “Promoting Uptake” of the Locating the Power of In-Between Conference held on July 1-2, 2008 at the Centurion Lake Hotel, South Africa and sponsored by the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex and the Human Sciences Resource Council in South Africa.
Need for greater awareness and understanding of the importance of information and research in the development process
Need to cultivate a stronger “culture of research” among decisionmakers and general constituency as well as to improve the public’s research/information literacy
Need to continuously improve the quality of research, in particular, policy research, in the country
The problem/issue being addressed
Observance of a Development Policy Research Month (DPRM) in September of every year which:◦ Provides the means to promote, enhance, instill and
draw nationwide awareness and appreciation on importance of policy research in national development; and
◦ Elicits support of the general public for activities meant to advance the standard of policy research in the country.
Declaration of said month through Malacañang Proclamation No. 247 issued in September 2002.
The intervention
Participation of various government, academic and research institutions (both public and private), local government units and media in activities on promoting or advocating for research:◦ Seminars/workshops presenting certain research
results; ◦ Capacity building sessions on research
methodologies, policy analysis, ICT usage and the like;
◦ Research Fairs exhibiting research publications, key findings and information-sharing services and products through posters, electronic presentations and video presentations;
What the DPRM involves
◦ Dialogues/consultations on certain policy issues for greater exchange of ideas and recommendations;
◦ Display of banners and streamers and other promotional posters in strategic places for greater visibility
◦ Press conferences, radio-television round of guestings to inform the public on various initiatives relating to research; and
◦ Round of school talks on role of research in policymaking and planning
What the DPRM involves (cont.)
2003 – 1st DPRM: “Policy Research: Instrument for More Responsive Policymaking”
2004 – 2nd DPRM: “Policy Research—Helping provide affordable Rice to Filipinos”
2005 – 3rd DPRM: “Services Industry—Growth Driver for Economic Competitiveness”
2006 – 4th DPRM: “Pananaliksik sa Pagpapaunlad ng Pamamahalang Lokal” or “Research for Local Governance”◦ [DPRM opted to focus on the local sub-national scene]
2007 – 5th DPRM: “Enhancing Grassroots Development—A framework for Local Governance”
Focus/themes of DPRM
First, the evolution of theme. From the more macro in nature to more focus on local governments
This has led to a more involved interest and participation of local governments
Second, encouragement for certain colleges and universities to strengthen policy analysis and research programs through the development of more development-oriented courses in their curriculum and the building up of development-oriented collection in their libraries
Third, increased institutional participation not only in terms of number but in the spread in geographical participation
Fourth, increased networking of local development agencies and research institutions with colleges and universities, and vice-versa
Example: The case of Mindanao Economic Development Council
Any change(s) seen?
Question of sustainability◦ More complementary activities [regular regional
(subnational) seminars; setting up of more development-oriented studies/collection in libraries/knowledge centers, etc.]
◦ More “champions” in various sectors◦ More allocation of resources in research-related
activities among stakeholders More participation from private business sector Challenge of translating abstract concepts into
layman or popular language for easier understanding and appreciation◦ Need for theme to focus on issues that are easily
applicable and thereupon easier to understand and appreciate
Challenges/Issues
Geographical Spread of Institutional Participation in the DPRM, Philippines
