Evaluation of the science-policy interface at the local level in the implementation of local agenda 21 in michoacan (Mexico)

Abstract

This work evaluated the Science-Policy Interface (spi) promoted by the political instrument Agenda Local 21 in its Mexican version (called Agenda Desde lo Local) which articulated state officials (so), municipal officials (mo), and academic experts (ex) on local management for sustainable development and were implemented in Michoacan (Mexico) between 2008 and 2013. The evaluation was conducted through a conceptual framework with four analytical categories spanning 16 factors and 39 attributes. Among the systemic factors, the objectives and processes of the interface showed strength, but the outputs had uncertain impacts. The attitudinal factors of involved actors showed high cognitive distance and very differentiated levels of reality between mo and ex. The motivation, commitment, and perception of the others were excellent in so, but the remaining actors showed weak performance. The evaluation led to lessons learned of interest in the design of political in-struments that promote the links between science and policy.