What are some ways to make economic research engaging for policymakers?

First of all, write in common English.I always told my students, write as if you were writing for your (highly educated, but not an economist) grandmother. Second, offer actionable conclusions from a policy pov.

One of the main motivations and incentives for policymakers is to gain more votes and support from their electorate. Therefore, you need to show them how your research can help them achieve this objective. You need to demonstrate how your research can benefit the public, especially the groups or regions that your audience represents or targets. You need to show how your research can solve their problems, improve their well-being, or create new opportunities for them. You need to also anticipate and address any potential objections, criticisms, or risks that your research may face from the public or other stakeholders, and provide evidence or arguments to counter them.

First - analyze and acknowledge the current political and economic scene and set your goals for the right people. Second - write and express yourself, setting clear goals as achievements in the short, medium, and long term. Third - use data correctly and express the risks and advantages of the actions taken with the policy you want to present/implement.

A key aspect of effective communication is striking a balance between internal and external validity in your research design. This ensures that your findings are both reliable and applicable to real-world situations. By being clear, transparent, and targeted in your communication, you can effectively convey the insights from your research. It is important to recognize that research findings may not automatically translate into actionable policies without considering the legal responsibilities and constraints of decision-makers. Sometimes, providing concise information can be more impactful than overwhelming your audience with excessive detail.

For making economic research meaningful for policy makers, it is necessary that research answers policy relevant questions. I work in the Infrastructure and Public-Private Partnerships space. One important question that policy makers grapple with in this space is whether the initiatives that the government is taking are value for money, i.e., whether the government is getting any net benefits from the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) in the road sector or the HAM model is just postponing liabilities for the future. Answers to such questions through rigorous research would help in establishing the basis for such models, including their replication across sectors.

In my experience, a poorly understood aspect of using ‘evidence’ is the uncertainty associated with that evidence. So, while it is important to highlight clear messages and trade-offs, it is also important to ensure policy makers get a feel for the uncertainty surrounding those messages. Done well, this should not undermine your key messages.

The problem is the setting for every economic research. Relate this problem to real-world situations because policymakers are highly likely to be interested in research that can be applied in practice.

I would suggest to start with the conclusion. On my occasions, the policymakers just need to know the key takeaways and implications of your research. The details are of a lesser importance to them. Furthermore, one can always run through the details if the policymakers are keen to know the process.

Focusing on the problem and its relevance is crucial when presenting economic research to policymakers. By clearly articulating how your research addresses real-world issues and providing evidence to support your claims, you can make a strong case for the importance of your work and its potential impact on policy decisions. This approach can help policymakers see the practical value of your research and increase the likelihood that it will be considered and acted upon.

Researchers, through their literature and the challenges posed by statistical techniques, may tend to use estimators that are too difficult to interpret in a concrete manner. Public policymakers require clear results, not conditioned by specific assumptions. It is also important not to rely solely on general results but to delve into the study of heterogeneity. Most policies involve different mechanisms, targeting different audiences. Overlooking this aspect can diminish the relevance of your argument. A simulation, even a basic one, of your recommendations can make them more tangible for decision-makers.

Invest in the capacity of policymakers to understand data. This can be a lengthy process but ultimately creates more well-rounded policymakers.

Instead of presenting dry data, incorporate real-world narratives or case studies that highlight the impact of economic policies or interventions. For instance, share success stories of regions that have effectively implemented certain economic strategies or illustrate challenges faced by communities under different policies. By weaving these stories into your research, you create a connection between the data and the human experience, making it easier for policymakers to grasp the implications. This approach not only adds a practical dimension to your findings but also helps policymakers visualize the potential outcomes of different economic decisions and fosters a deeper understanding.

Using stories and examples in your economic research presentation is a powerful technique to connect with policymakers on a more personal and relatable level. Stories can humanize your research, making it more than just data and statistics. They can help policymakers see the real-world impact of economic policies and decisions. By providing concrete examples and relatable scenarios, you can bridge the gap between abstract economic concepts and practical policy considerations, making it easier for policymakers to grasp the significance of your research and its potential implications for their decision-making.

Indeed, weaving compelling narratives and practical examples into economic research not only enhances clarity but also resonates with policymakers. By incorporating case studies, personal experience or testimonials, you will get a tangible context that policymakers can relate to. This humanizes the data and adds a layer of understanding, fostering a more engaged and impactful dialogue on economic matters. It is not just informative but ensuring a lasting impact on policy making decisions

Usando histórias e exemplos, é possível ter base para um mesmo problema ou problema parecido e uma maneira viável de solucionar a questão.

Trends become clearer in graphs and charts. Sometimes a datapoint by itself does not help to understand the developments underway.

- The colours you use in your visualisation are just as important. Use colours intentionally to make your point. - Keep your visualisations uncluttered. There is a tendency to provide specific data points for every observation in your chart, which is useful to have at hand, but not necessarily to include in the presentation.

A graph is a good summary of data and findings. However, it is critical to avoid crowded graphs that may have an opposite effect and confuse the audience. Another point to consider is to select a good unit and scale for your variables in order to make it comparable with previous findings in the existing literature or relative to the problem being under analysis.

One important thing to consider when you are exposing your results to the rest of the world is that an image can be far greater to transmit an idea than a billion words. Economic research is indeed important nowadays because Public Policy seeks to improve welfare. And for such, the knowledge of causal effects should be easy to understand. In this set-up, an example can be found in the dynamic difference-in-diference, where a plot with coefficients over time can be as important as a regression output. Therefore, the results of economic research should be as clear as possible for policy makers, and a good visualization plot of the most important result is always useful when it is at its simplest form.

Use visualizations, charts, and infographics to illustrate complex economic concepts and data. Visual aids can enhance understanding and make information more accessible.

For me It is always good to start by the conclusion and some straight implications. The other aspects like methodology would come later on demand of the audience.

Mis trabajos están basados en Territorios donde se encuentran los Agricultores Familiares, sus organizaciones; Sus producciones; sus aciertos y sus errores. Por otro lado, tengo trabajos con medianos y grandes productores desde el enfoque de sustentabilidad económica. Contemplando los socio político; lo económico-productivo y lo Ambiental. Con un acento clave en el rol del estado para conservar los recursos naturales y los ecosistemas ya que SUS SERVICIOS AMBIENTALES, que producen la conservación y el manejo sustentable de los mismos, no son para el titular del predio, tienen efectos regionales e impactan a escala planetaria (aunque cueste creer)

Present findings in clear and concise language, avoiding jargon and technical terms. Use straightforward language that policymakers can easily understand.

In academic presentations, titles are not always used effectively. Use action titles to get your key messages/takeaways from that slide.

Para ter clareza e austeridade ao longo de uma pesquisa econômica é necessário, primeiramente, ter clareza de quais são os objetivos da política e quais são os impactos almejados. De tal forma, todas as variáveis intervenientes que possam descaracterizar o objetivo da pesquisa econômica deve ser citados mas não aprofundados. Faça um acordo claro com o ouvinte sobre o foco da pesquisa, que outras adjacentes podem exister contudo não será o foco.

It may be incredibly useful for policy makers to engage with the communities or target areas that are directly impacted by the formulated policies. Policy makers formulate policies using theory, scientific evidence and research - a high level approach. Sometimes, this may be in contrast to the practical experience of the dwellers in communities based on the context of their reality in social and economic experiences - a grass-root level approach. Engaging with communities may provide a more practical understanding of the effectiveness of policies, and provide insight into formulating policies in a more efficient and positively impactful manner that drives the desired development results within an economy.

Make sure you communicate/restate what the problem is and how you've solved the problem or how you intend to solve the problem. Ensure you receive agreement in whatever format makes the most sense (raise of hands, verbal agreement, a form, etc.).

In my experience, it is crucial to engage and involve policymakers throughout the implementation for buy-in and ownership during the inception, validation and dissemination. For instance, provide an opportunity for them to co-create with you so that when it comes to sharing the findings you are on the same page with the proposed recommendations. It is at this point that the policymaker will feel appreciated, consulted and involved, hence becomes a team player.

Todo processo de formulação de política requer, dentre várias de suas fases, a utilização de feedbacks. Não seria diferente quando falamos especificamente da pesquisa econômica. Aliás, o alicerce da economia tal qual entendemos hoje, pressupõe-se às origens, à economia política. É preciso envolver todos os atores do processo, incluindo os que se situam na ponta, ou seja, aqueles que são fontes dos dados e/ou impactados pela política gerada. É importante que não seja diferente disso. É essencial que a economia, e portanto as pesquisas relevantes para a formulação de políticas, não se situem em um vácuo, sem jamais ser posta em avaliação e conhecimentos que vêm de fora.

Relevance to the issues of concern to the policy maker. The research theme must be relevant and down to earth for maintain the policy maker's interest.

1. Identify areas where your findings can have a significant impact on government decision-making and present them in a clear manner, avoiding complicated jargon. 2. Base your conclusions on empirical data. The more credibility your research has, the more likely policymakers will take it seriously. 3. Highlight the potential impact of your findings. Show how your recommendations can help address specific economic problems. 4. Establish relationships with policy makers, government officials and other relevant actors in the economic field. Participate in conferences, seminars and events. 5. Consider engaging in lobbying and advocacy activities to promote your findings and influence the political agenda (only if appropriate).

Lessons of the past are often relevant for today as historians suggest. Even the path of new technologies have historical roots. The future is premised on gaining perspective from the evolution of change- new concepts currencies and emerging developed and developing economies

It makes it easier to include issues on the public agenda and support discussions by providing relevant information for better decision-making

No one know what the hell we are talking about when we talk about economics. So why would anyone get attracted by this blurry and cloudy concept? Seems boring, somehow attached to money and old white men in suits... But if we concider the word itself: economics aka "oikonomos" in greek, which pretty muchs means "the way we manage the house", it gives us much more ability as human beings, civilians or politicians. We all have houses we need to take care about, let's empower everyone to become caretaker of our common house. And that needs a lot of skills to be able to navigate this whole complexity, no one really knows how it should take place and what can really come out of such a process. We do not need policy makers, we need space holders!