Enhancing impact: a model for policy development research

Abstract

The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) has sought to increase its policy impact by transitioning from funding ‘policy relevant’ research to a ‘policy development’ research model. This model has been developed and implemented by AHURI over more than a decade in its role as an intermediary between the research and policy communities. The Policy Development Research Model (PDRM) integrates the traditionally separate processes of evidence building and policy development into one set of practices. The cornerstones of the PDRM are; AHURI’s reputation as a trusted advisor, strong engagement with policy officials in setting the annual research agenda, the development of specialized research vehicles that ensure engagement throughout the conduct of research, academic expertise, the quality and rigor of research outputs, and proactive dissemination of research findings through a variety of channels. This article describes how the PDRM enhances policy impact by improving two-way knowledge transfer between academic researchers and policymakers and practitioners. It offers an insight into how AHURI’s active role as an intermediary impacts on housing, homelessness and urban policy in Australia.

Keywords:

• Evidence-based policy
• impact
• network organization
• engagement
• dissemination

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the anonymous peer reviewers for their helpful feedback on an earlier draft. Furthermore, the authors wish to acknowledge that the development of the PDRM model has been enhanced and informed by the contributions of many people over two decades including: members of the housing and urban research communities, policy officials at federal and state levels, AHURI’s management teams and Board Directors. Particular recognition is warranted for the remarkable contributions of Dr Ian Winter, former Executive Director of AHURI.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 For example, the Council of Australian Government (COAG) Housing Minister’s Council and the Housing and Homelessness Ministers’ Advisory Committee were disbanded in 2013-14. More recently COAG ceased, and a new National Federation Reform Council (NFRC) will be formed, with a National Cabinet at its centre.